Sony reported a 32% increase in operating profit during its fiscal first quarter, powered by PlayStation, while Sony Pictures revenue fell 3% year over year. The Japanese conglomerate posted 476 billion yen, or about $2.96 billion, in operating income, with total revenue climbing 8.2% to 2.83 trillion yen, or roughly $17.66 billion. PlayStation remained Sony’s financial MVP, generating 202 billion yen, or approximately $1.25 billion, in operating income. PlayStation Network reached 125 million users during the quarter, even as Sony faced customer backlash over plans to phase out physical game releases by 2028. Can Spider Man Save Sony Pictures? Sony Pictures brought in 312.2 billion yen, or about $1.9 billion, as operating income rose 33% to $154.3 million despite the revenue decline. The studio had a quiet theatrical quarter, with Nate Bargatze’s comedy The Breadwinner earning $20.2 million at the U.S. box office. The bright spot was Crunchyroll, whose subscriber base continued growing from 21 million users at the end of the first quarter of 2026, although Sony did not disclose a new total. Sony expects its next quarter to look much stronger because Marvel Studios’ Spider Man: Brand New Day is projected to open globally with at least $850 million and potentially pass $2 billion worldwide, according to the report. Sony also raised its full year operating income forecast by 8% to 1.72 trillion yen, or about $10.6 billion. Translation: gaming is paying the bills now, while the film division is betting that another giant Spider Man run can turn the box office into a much-needed blockbuster receipt.