A State of Play dedicated to Ghost of Yotei took place, and at the event, Sucker Punch Productions shared expectations for the game.
On the narrative side, it’s set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. Ghost of Yotei centers on Atsu, a woman thirsty for revenge against a gang of assassins known as the “Yotei Six,” who killed her family in front of her. She takes on the pseudonym of Onryo (ghost) to begin her revenge in the mountains of Yotei, Japan.
Game mechanics include:
A task draw system among investigation cards, which will help you have alternate tasks and find both primary and elective objectives.
Rewards within Yotei through hunting wanted people.
Skills earned at relaxation/meditation sites.
An arsenal based on authentic Japanese weapons (Katana, Kodachi, Kunai, double-blade, bombs, and more).
Synergy with a mysterious wolf helps even in battles with multiple enemies.
A detail that adds realism to the game: depending on your performance in battle, you can even be disarmed if it’s poor, and stealth will be important, and its effectiveness will depend on the weapon in use.
Your arsenal is how you define your fighting style, and of course, the game will include cosmetics for visual preferences.
Additionally, the game will feature a resource and Atsu status upgrade system simulated as camp rest scenarios, which helps increase the chances of progression and also fosters allies.
Key Gameplay Mechanics
Feature
Details
Source
Investigation Cards
A card-based system tracks leads and unlocks bounties across Mount Yotei
2
Guiding Wind
Waypoint-free breeze mechanic returns to subtly direct you
2
Camp System
Establish camps to cook, play music, and recruit NPCs
2
Combat Arsenal
Dual katanas, ōdachi blade, kusarigama sickle, plus a wolf companion
2
Disarm Mechanic
Perform quick parries to strip enemies of their weapons
Built from the ground up for PS5, Ghost of Yotei showcases:
Ray-traced lighting, HDR bloom, and snow effects
Instantaneous load times via the PS5 SSD
Rich environmental storytelling in Hokkaido’s historic Ezo region, complete with dynamic weather and wildlife behaviors
The main soundtrack was directed by Toma Owora, relying heavily on traditional Japanese instruments along with lo-fi tracks composed by the director of the anime Samurai Champloo. The game also includes the ability to play the game with Japanese dialogue. There will also be a Photo Mode.
Ghost of Yotei will also feature a Kurosawa mode, which will apply a black and white image filter as a tribute to classic Japanese films.
The game will be released on October 2nd, and in addition to the standard, Premium, and Collector’s Editions (which will be sold exclusively through PlayStation Direct), there will be a limited-edition PlayStation 5 console inspired by the game. It will feature two color finishes and will include a digital version of the game with DLC additions, also available for those who pre-order the base game.
One will feature a gold finish in the kintsugi art style, which is based on repairing ceramic materials with gold coatings. The other will feature a black finish, based on the Sumi-e art style, which specializes in the use of black ink with a brush. This edition, like the Collector’s Edition, will be sold exclusively through PlayStation Direct, while the gold version will be available globally.
The gaming industry is no stranger to upheaval, and Sony Bend Studio—the team behind Days Gone—is the latest to face significant changes. Following the cancellation of an unannounced live-service game, the studio has confirmed layoffs affecting approximately 30% of its workforce, equating to around 40 employees.
The Fallout from the Cancellation
Earlier this year, Sony made the decision to scrap multiple live-service projects, including one from Bend Studio. While details about the canceled game remain scarce, reports suggest it was a multiplayer-focused shooter. The studio had been working on this project for some time, but after careful evaluation, Sony opted not to move forward with it.
It’s a sad day in Bend. I love this studio, it means so much to me. Hard to put into words when something like this hits your team.
And yes, I am safe. Thank you to those who reached out. ❤️
The layoffs were officially confirmed by Bend Studio, which acknowledged the departure of talented team members and expressed gratitude for their contributions. Senior animator Robert Morrison, who previously worked on God of War and The Last of Us, was among those affected, sharing his disappointment on social media. Despite the setback, Bend Studio remains committed to its future, stating that it is already shifting focus to a new project.
What’s Next for Bend Studio?
While the studio has yet to reveal details about its next endeavor, insiders suggest it will build upon the open-world systems established in Days Gone. The team previously hinted at a new IP featuring multiplayer elements, though whether this remains in development is unclear.
Sony’s broader strategy regarding live-service games has been turbulent, with multiple cancellations and restructuring efforts across its studios. As Bend Studio navigates this transition, fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see what comes next.
On June 4, 2025, PlayStation lit up the digital stage with a State of Play presentation that wasn’t just about slips of teasers or half-hinted secrets—it was a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with innovation. Over a brisk 40 minutes, Sony and its creative partners unveiled a slate of titles designed to pull fans deeper into both familiar worlds and uncharted realms of play. Today, we’re diving into every facet of the event, exploring both the official reveals and the industry-buzzed hints that promise to define the next gaming era.
The First-Party Feast: Revitalizing Beloved Franchises and Original Concepts
Sony’s official blog post served as the backbone of the evening’s announcements, delivering a clear vision of its upcoming lineup. In an era where every update matters, each reveal resonated as a promise—a blend of refined gameplay mechanics and fresh creative spirit.
Astro Bot: A Journey Through the Vicious Void
Led by Asobi, Astro Bot returns with a burst of creative energy. The game’s expansion comes in the form of five new levels set within the foreboding Vicious Void Galaxy. These stages are not merely testaments to the studio’s longstanding polish in platforming but are also intricately designed to push players’ reflexes alongside their puzzle-solving skills. Adding another layer to the experience is an updated, smile-enhanced version of the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller—reminding us that gaming peripherals are evolving as enthusiastically as games themselves. This reveal underscores PlayStation’s attention to sensory connection and physicality in gameplay.
Baby Steps: Embracing the Charm of Quirk and Challenge
Few games can capture the bittersweet humor of navigating life’s “baby steps” quite like this quirky walking simulator. With a confirmed release date of September 8, 2025, the new trailer for Baby Steps delicately balances humor with innovative traversal mechanics. In its world, every misstep is a lesson, and its onesie-clad protagonist—named Nate in discussions among fans—faces odd challenges that combine literal and metaphorical obstacles. By elevating what could have been a simple journey into an art form of whimsical exploration, Baby Steps reminds us that sometimes, the joy is in the minutiae of everyday movement.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement—Dark, Dual, and Determined
For those who favor a bite of darkness with their action, the revived Bloodstained series did not disappoint. Titled The Scarlet Engagement, this side-scrolling 2.5D action RPG reinvents its narrative by introducing dual protagonists, Leo and Alex, whose distinct abilities encourage players to switch seamlessly between play styles. Set in a sprawling, haunted castle, the game promises meticulously choreographed combat encounters and puzzles that require both strategic depth and quick reflexes. This reveal is a bold reminder that legacy titles can be reimagined to push forward narrative and gameplay boundaries while staying true to what made them iconic.
Cairn: Climb, Conserve, and Conquer
Not every challenge in gaming has to come through conventional battle; sometimes it’s about survival. Cairn is a fresh take on the survival-climber genre, landing on PS5 with the promise of a truly interactive experience. With a release slated for November 5, 2025, Cairn challenges players to manage resources, plan every step of their ascent, and explore the treacherous mountain paths—all while contending with environmental hazards that feel both expansive and personal. A demo available on the PlayStation Store provides fans with a taste of its innovative mechanics, inviting players to test their endurance before the full plunge into this vertical adventure.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger—A World of Digital Bonds
Returning to a franchise that has long stirred the hearts of its devotees, Digimon Story: Time Stranger steps into the limelight with a refreshed narrative and enhanced character customization. Set to launch on October 3, 2025, the new trailer paints a vivid picture: vibrant digital worlds where every Digimon can grow in unique directions. As teamwork and strategy become pivotal in bonding with and evolving these virtual partners, the game promises to build upon past successes while ushering in a new era for the franchise on PS5.
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots: A Swing into the Past and Future
In an unexpected twist that marries classic arcade charm with modern gaming innovation, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots makes its triumphant return. With its release scheduled in September, the announcement was punctuated by a cameo from none other than Pac-Man—a whimsical nod to gaming’s enduring legacy. This blend of light-hearted sports action and a retro cameo not only offers a nostalgic experience but also rekindles the spirit of intergenerational crossover, creating a bridge between the golden age of gaming and today’s powerhouse experiences.
The Buzz Beyond the Blog: Rumors, Teases, and Industry Hints
While Sony’s controlled, first-party lineup painted a vibrant picture of the near future, the periphery of the event was rife with tantalizing teases and industry rumors that hint at even broader horizons.
Ghost of Yotei: A Mysterious Glimpse into the Unknown
Among the whispers that had fans buzzing even before the event began was the teaser for Ghost of Yotei. Though the reveal was more of a teaser than a full announcement, it set the stage for what might come—a gameplay deep dive scheduled for July that promises to explore layered narrative depths and innovative combat mechanics. The title appears poised to weave mystery and myth into a spellbinding experience, leaving fans hungry for immersive storytelling and dynamic tactical play.
Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster: Honoring a Strategic Legacy
No discussion of anticipated announcements would be complete without the industry’s long-standing plea for a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster. Hints—including a now-deleted tweet from the original director, Yasumi Matsuno—have stoked excitement that this beloved title might finally return, reimagined for the PS5 era with both its original charm and modern enhancements. While details remain under wraps, the promise of dual versions—both as a homage to the original and as an enhanced experience—could be the reassuring bridge for longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.
Shaping the Future: What These Announcements Mean for Gaming
At its core, the State of Play event on June 4 served as both a celebration of PlayStation’s storied past and a clarion call for its future. It reminded us that a console family is built not only on cutting-edge technology and exclusive titles but on stories that evolve with us. Here are some reflections on the event’s broader impact:
A Spectrum of Experiences: From the playful yet challenging levels of Astro Bot to the somber, intricate battles in Bloodstained, the lineup embraces both lighthearted moments and profound narrative journeys. This spectrum ensures there’s something for every kind of gamer—whether you’re here for the adrenaline rush of action or the quiet, introspective puzzles of a walking simulator.
Evolving Gameplay and Audience Engagement: With releases like Cairn, which emphasizes resource management and environmental challenges, and Baby Steps, which converts everyday hurdles into a narrative adventure, Sony is not merely rehashing old formulas. Instead, it’s evolving them. By partnering nostalgia with modern design philosophies, these games promise to engage players on multiple levels—emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Bridging Generations: The surprise cameo in Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, along with the potential return of classic titles like Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy VII Remake, exemplifies a daring vision: to merge the cherished memories of past gaming eras with the technological and creative possibilities of the future. It’s a call to both longtime devotees and new fans to experience a world where every play session feels like a dialogue with history—and a step toward tomorrow.
Industry-Wide Ripple Effects: Rumors surrounding titles like Death Stranding 2 and Wolverine are not just idle chatter; they hint at ambitions that could redefine cinematic storytelling in the medium. If these projects come to fruition, they will not only enrich the PlayStation ecosystem but also set new benchmarks for how interactive narratives are crafted and delivered.
Through its carefully curated announcements and well-timed teases, PlayStation has once again demonstrated that the magic of gaming lies in its ability to surprise, engage, and transform. The event has set high expectations, and as gamers and enthusiasts, we’re now left with a tantalizing glimpse of what the next few years hold.
As we await further deep dives—like the promised July gameplay reveal for Ghost of Yotei—and keep our eyes peeled for any hints regarding the cinematic scope of Death Stranding 2 or the raw intensity of a Wolverine title, one thing is clear: the new era of PlayStation gaming is not only bright but also profoundly exciting. For those who live and breathe this digital universe, these announcements are an invitation to explore, to imagine, and to engage with a medium that continues to captivate our collective imaginations.
Sony Confirms the Shutdown of PlayStation Stars Loyalty Program
Sony has officially announced the discontinuation of its PlayStation Stars loyalty program, marking the end of an initiative that rewarded players with digital collectibles and redeemable points for engaging with PlayStation games and activities. The program, which launched in 2022, will fully shut down on November 2, 2026, but existing members will still be able to earn rewards until July 23, 2025.
In a statement released on the PlayStation Blog, Sony explained that the decision to wind down PlayStation Stars was based on an evaluation of player engagement and industry trends. The company emphasized that it had learned valuable insights from the program and would use these findings to explore new ways to enhance its loyalty initiatives.
Since launching the program, we’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to, and as a company, we are always evolving with player and industry trends. Through this evaluation, we have decided to refocus our efforts and will be winding down the current version of PlayStation Stars.
What Happens Next for PlayStation Stars Members?
Sony has outlined a gradual shutdown process for PlayStation Stars:
No new members will be accepted into the program starting immediately.
Existing members can continue earning digital collectibles, points, and level up their status until July 23, 2025.
After July 23, 2025, no new campaigns, rewards, or benefits will be available.
Members can redeem their points until November 2, 2026, after which the program will be completely discontinued.
Digital collectibles earned through the program will remain accessible even after the shutdown.
The Legacy of PlayStation Stars
PlayStation Stars was introduced as a way to reward player engagement through a variety of challenges, including earning trophies and purchasing digital games. While the program had its dedicated user base, it never fully integrated into the PlayStation console experience, remaining primarily accessible through the PlayStation App on mobile devices.
Despite its discontinuation, Sony has hinted at future loyalty initiatives, suggesting that the company is exploring new ways to engage and reward players. Whether this means a revamped version of PlayStation Stars or an entirely new program remains to be seen.
The shutdown of PlayStation Stars marks the end of an era for PlayStation’s loyalty efforts, but it also opens the door for new and improved player engagement strategies. As Sony continues to evolve with industry trends, PlayStation fans can expect fresh opportunities to earn rewards and celebrate their gaming achievements in the future.
PlayStation Stars coming to a close as SIE evaluates new ways to evolve future Loyalty Program efforts
Sony Group reported its Q4 2025 earnings on May 13, 2025, exceeding expectations with an EPS of $0.21, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.12. The company’s trailing EPS stands at $1.23, with a P/E ratio of 20.23, and earnings are projected to grow 12.20% next year, reaching $1.38 per share.
Sony has also raised its annual earnings guidance, citing strong performance in its gaming and music divisions. The company’s third-quarter net profit exceeded analyst expectations, reinforcing its strategic focus on entertainment businesses.
PlayStation Business: A Key Growth Driver
Sony’s gaming segment continues to be a powerhouse, with PlayStation 5 sales reaching 9.5 million units, up from 8.2 million units in the previous year. The operating profit from its gaming business surged 37%, totaling ¥118.06 billion ($764.5 million USD). This growth was fueled by higher sales of network services and third-party software titles.
Sony’s entertainment businesses, including games, music, and movies, now account for nearly 60% of its overall revenue, a significant increase from 30% a decade ago. The company has invested billions of dollars in acquisitions to strengthen its entertainment content.
Investor Conference Insights
During the earnings briefing, incoming CEO Hiroki Totoki emphasized Sony’s need to compete globally, acknowledging that the company trails behind top global players in certain aspects. He highlighted the importance of expanding beyond Japan, with a focus on international growth and leadership restructuring.
Sony also announced Lin Tao as its new Chief Financial Officer, reinforcing its commitment to financial strategy and global expansion.
Given the latest exchange rates, Sony’s NYSE stock price of $24.70 USD translates to approximately ¥3,583 JPY. The gaming division’s operating profit of $764.5 million USD converts to roughly ¥118.06 billion JPY.
Sony’s latest earnings report underscores its strong performance in gaming and entertainment, with PlayStation 5 sales driving growth. The company’s strategic focus on global expansion and leadership changes signal a promising future for investors. As Sony continues to invest in entertainment content, its gaming division remains a key pillar of success.
Elsewhere for Sony as conglomerate…
1. Music
Sony Music reported strong growth, with streaming revenue increasing by 18%.
The company continues to expand its artist portfolio, securing exclusive deals with major global artists.
2. Pictures (Sony Entertainment)
Sony Pictures saw a 15% revenue increase, driven by box office successes and streaming partnerships.
The studio continues to invest in original content and franchise expansions.
3. Imaging & Sensing Solutions
Sony remains a leader in image sensors, supplying high-end camera technology to smartphone manufacturers.
The division reported a 12% increase in revenue, fueled by demand for advanced imaging solutions.
4. Entertainment, Technology & Services
Sony’s consumer electronics division, including TVs, audio equipment, and cameras, saw steady growth.
The company is focusing on AI-driven innovations to enhance its product lineup.
5. Financial Services
Sony’s financial division, including insurance and banking, reported stable earnings.
The company is expanding its digital financial services, leveraging AI and automation.
Sony’s diverse business portfolio continues to drive strong financial performance, with entertainment and technology leading the way.
Last week, it was about the launch of the Radeon 9070 XT/ 9070 family for AMD’s effort in GPU with RDNA 4 and this week, is now about Sony helping to create FSR 4, an advanced machine learning-based upscaling technology for the Playstation 5. T
his innovation is a significant development in PlayStation’s Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, specifically aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the PS5 Pro. Below is a detailed overview based on the summary:
Mark Cerny, the lead system architect at PlayStation, highlights the importance of FSR 4 (FidelityFX Super Resolution) in the next stage of PlayStation’s upscaling approach. While FSR 3.1 was a notable improvement in upscaling quality, FSR 4 incorporates a more sophisticated neural network-based machine learning model. This makes it a contender against Nvidia’s DLSS 4.
The integration of FSR 4 into the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution framework is a pivotal step to improve image fidelity and performance. By leveraging PS5 Pro’s anticipated machine learning hardware upgrades, Sony aims to take upscaling quality to unprecedented levels, especially as the gaming industry demands higher resolutions and smoother performance.
Project Amethyst is the code name for the joint efforts by AMD and Sony. Together, they are advancing the machine learning architecture that powers FSR 4, ensuring it seamlessly fits into the PSSR ecosystem. The goal is to enable highly detailed visuals while remaining computationally efficient for gaming consoles.
One of the challenges discussed is the balancing act of maintaining compatibility with existing game frameworks while pushing the boundaries of visual enhancements. This ensures backward compatibility and allows developers to easily adopt the new technology in upcoming games.
Mark Cerny emphasizes that, while FSR 4 is a technological leap, its implementation on the PS5 Pro is an ambitious and long-term project. The PS5 Pro, anticipated for release by 2026, will require cutting-edge hardware to fully utilize the potential of FSR 4 without compromising the console’s performance.
FSR 4 is expected to be a critical component in achieving higher resolution outputs with minimal performance overhead. Sony’s focus is on improving gaming experiences for both developers and players, making this collaboration a long-term investment in the future of console gaming.
Sony has recently announced an exciting new beta program for Playstation users, aimed to let gamers to have a “more consolidated way” to test new features across “a wide range of PlayStation experiences.”. This initiative allows selected participants to experience and provide feedback on new games testing on both PS5 and Playstation games for PC.
The Beta Program at PlayStation will create an easy, centralized place for you to register your interest in a range of future PlayStation betas. A single registration for Beta Program at PlayStation will allow you to express interest in gaining beta access to test participating games for the PS5 console and PC, new PS5 console features, PlayStation App features, and even user experience features on PlayStation.com. You only need to sign up once to express interest in these various betas, and if you receive an invitation to a specific beta, it’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to participate or not.
Players must have a valid account for PlayStation Network in good standing with a current email address. Accounts with restrictions or violations may not be eligible for participation.
Players must live in the region where Beta Program at PlayStation is available.
Players must meet the legal age requirement for their region.
It is important to notice (and as expected on the nature of testing and BETAs), gamers needs to have their expectations clear in terms that there will be moments where a test phase could have its space will be limited and signing up won’t guarantee acceptance for specific opportunities.
In the world of gaming, few franchises have managed to carve out a niche as unique and enduring as Twisted Metal. Known for its chaotic vehicular combat and memorable characters, the series has been a staple of PlayStation’s lineup since its debut in 1995.
However, fans of the franchise were recently hit with a wave of nostalgia and disappointment as details emerged about a cancelled Twisted Metal game that was in development for the PlayStation 5.
The cancelled Twisted Metal game, internally known as “Project Copper,” was being developed by Firesprite, the studio behind Horizon: Call of the Mountain. While PlayStation never officially confirmed the existence of this project, reports of Firesprite’s involvement began circulating online in 2022.
The game was reportedly cancelled last year, but new details have surfaced thanks to Hugo Silva, a lead UI programmer who was working on the project.
According to Silva, Project Copper was envisioned as a “3rd person vehicular action combat game” based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation. The game was set to introduce a significant shift in gameplay mechanics, incorporating third-person shooter elements alongside the traditional vehicular combat. The objective was to be the last one standing, effectively turning Twisted Metal into a battle royale game.
The Battle Royale Concept
The battle royale genre has seen immense popularity in recent years, with games like Fortnite and Apex Legends dominating the market. Firesprite and PlayStation aimed to capitalize on this trend by reimagining Twisted Metal as a battle royale game. Early images from Silva’s website, though labeled “under NDA,” highlight the battle royale concept, featuring generic characters engaged in third-person shooter combat. These placeholder designs would have likely been replaced by classic characters from the series or custom-designed protagonists.
The last new Twisted Metal game was released on the PlayStation 3 back in 2012, making it over a decade since fans have had a new entry in the series. The cancellation of Project Copper is undoubtedly frustrating for fans, especially considering the success of the Twisted Metal streaming series on Peacock. The absence of a new game to accompany the show’s popularity seems like a missed opportunity for PlayStation.
However, it’s possible that the decision to cancel the game was for the best. From the details revealed so far, Project Copper might not have delivered what fans have come to expect from the series. If the game had been released and failed, it could have potentially doomed the franchise for another decade or more.
The Future of Twisted Metal
Despite the cancellation of Project Copper, there is still hope for the future of Twisted Metal. PlayStation co-CEO Herman Hurst hinted back in December that the company is looking for ways to leverage its past IPs, offering a glimmer of hope that dormant franchises like Twisted Metal could make a return. Fans will have to wait and see if a new game finally materializes, but for now, the cancellation of Project Copper remains a tantalizing “what if” in the history of Twisted Metal.
In conclusion, the revelation of the cancelled Twisted Metal game has left fans with mixed emotions. While the concept of a battle royale Twisted Metal game is intriguing, it’s uncertain whether it would have lived up to the legacy of the franchise. As we look to the future, we can only hope that PlayStation finds a way to bring Twisted Metal back to its former glory.
In the world of video games, few stories are as intriguing as the relationship between FromSoftware and Sony. This tale begins with the release of Demon’s Souls, a game that would later become a cornerstone of the “Soulslike” genre.
However, the journey to that point was fraught with challenges and misunderstandings.
Demon’s Souls was developed by FromSoftware in collaboration with Sony Japan Studio. Initially, it was planned that Sony would publish the game globally. However, due to the game’s high difficulty and negative early playtests, Sony decided not to localize Demon’s Souls for an English language release. Instead, Atlus published the game in North America, and Bandai Namco handled the European release1.
Sony’s Misjudgment
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed in an interview with the Sacred Symbols podcast that Sony’s decision not to publish Demon’s Souls globally was a significant misjudgment. Yoshida admitted that he didn’t see the game’s global appeal at the time and even described his initial experience with the game as “unbelievably bad”1. This decision led to a sour relationship between FromSoftware and Sony.
FromSoftware was deeply disappointed by how Sony handled Demon’s Souls. Despite the game’s eventual success, thanks to the efforts of Atlus and Bandai Namco, the developer felt let down by Sony’s lack of faith in the game. This disappointment led FromSoftware to turn down Sony’s offer to work on a sequel to Demon’s Souls.
Instead of working with Sony, FromSoftware decided to partner with Bandai Namco for the development of Dark Souls. This decision proved to be a turning point, as Dark Souls became a massive success and solidified FromSoftware’s reputation as a leading developer in the “Soulslike” genre.
Despite the rocky start, Sony and FromSoftware eventually reconciled. They teamed up once again for the development of Bloodborne, a PS4 exclusive that received critical acclaim. Yoshida expressed his respect for FromSoftware’s president, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and acknowledged that Bloodborne is one of his best games1.
Lessons Learned
The story of FromSoftware and Sony serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and communication in the gaming industry. Sony’s initial misjudgment and FromSoftware’s disappointment highlight the challenges that can arise when expectations are not met. However, the eventual collaboration on Bloodborne shows that redemption is possible, and great things can come from learning from past mistakes.
February 12, 2025, was a day filled with excitement for PlayStation fans as Sony hosted its first State of Play presentation of the year. The livestream, which ran for over 40 minutes, showcased a variety of upcoming games and updates for the PlayStation 5.
This article focus on brand-new games, no remaster/remakes (full event at the end of the article).
The event kicked off with a teaser for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, directed by Hideo Kojima. The trailer hinted at a more immersive experience, with stunning visuals and a gripping storyline.
Next up was Ghost of Yotei by Sucker Punch Productions. The game, set in a snowy, mystical world, promises to be an action-packed adventure with breathtaking graphics and a captivating narrative.
Another highly anticipated game was Marathon, a revival of the classic Bungie shooter. The new version promises to bring back the fast-paced, intense gameplay that fans loved, with updated graphics and new features1.
The presentation also included a surprise announcement for Grand Theft Auto 6, which is set to release in fall 2025. The trailer showcased the open-world gameplay and the vast, detailed environment that Rockstar Games is known for.
Other notable games featured in the State of Play included:
Civ 7: The latest installment in the popular Civilization series, promising new features and improvements.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: A sequel to the critically acclaimed medieval RPG.
Sniper Elite: Resistance: A new entry in the stealth-action series, set in an alternate history World War II.
Path of Exile 2: The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved action RPG.
Black Ops 6: The latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise, featuring new gameplay mechanics and a gripping storyline.
Lost Soul Aside: An indie game with a unique art style and engaging gameplay.
Monster Hunter Wilds: A new entry in the Monster Hunter series, set in an expansive open world.
Hell is Us: A dark, atmospheric game with a gripping storyline.
Judas: A new game from a renowned developer, promising innovative gameplay and a compelling story.
My notable mentions:
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Sega has announced a new Shinobi game titled Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This game is set to be released on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It’s the first new entry in the series in nearly 15 years. The game will feature the classic protagonist Joe Musashi, who returns to find his village in ruins and his clan turned to stone. Players can expect challenging platforming puzzles and intense combat with a variety of weapons and Ninjutsu skills.
Warriors Abyss
Omega Force is taking the Dynasty Warriors series into roguelike territory with Warriors Abyss. This new game will feature frenzied action and a roguelite spin-off style, allowing players to take command of historic warriors and challenge countless swarms of enemies. The game will be released digitally, though no specific release date has been announced yet
The State of Play event was a major success, with fans eagerly anticipating the release of these exciting games. Sony’s commitment to delivering high-quality content for the PlayStation 5 was evident throughout the presentation, and fans can look forward to more exciting announcements in the future.
![State of Play | February 12, 2025 [English]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vQtPbTOhLEc/hqdefault.jpg)