PlayStation has been awfully quiet, often opting to have more clearly defined shows versus letting the calendar dictate their offerings. So, we expect to see quite a bevy of announcements and updates for what is to come for the future of PlayStation in the 40-minute PlayStation Showcase.
Here is what we think they will show or are hoping they will show at the PlayStation Showcase:
First Party Studios
More Horizon Forbidden West Gameplay (likely)
After having been pushed from its initial release date of this fall to Feb. 18, 2022, I fully expect a gameplay demonstration. I assume there will be a State of Play dedicated to the game in a few months, but I think we will get a five-minute demo during the showcase. We have seen a pretty big section of gameplay already, but it feels right to have a tad more in this showcase.
God of War teaser + Release Date (likely)
We have but a logo for the next God of War game. While Ragnarok is the theme, we don’t even know if that is officially the title of the sequel. I think it’s a bit early for a gameplay demo, but I fully expect a CGI trailer and a release date of late 2022.
Gran Turismo Release Date + gameplay (likely)
Gran Turismo already received a gameplay demo about seven months ago. I imagine we will be getting a deeper look and a release timeframe for the first next-gen Gran Turismo experience. I don’t think Sony would let Forza Horizon get all the racing-game buzz, and a trailer + release date is a great way to put that conversation back in Sony’s camp.
PC Ports (likely)
It may have taken much longer than we’d have wanted, but it appears Sony has finally realized the money being left on the table with PC ports. Thus far, we’ve received Horizon Zero Dawn and Days Gone. Sony recently acquired Nixxes, who just so happen to be porting experts. It feels like this is an instance where 1+1 does indeed equal 2. In an investor presentation, Sony also showcased Uncharted 4 as an upcoming PC port. I have to imagine Sony is going to start dipping into their massive catalog.
The Last of Us 2 Factions Gameplay+ Release Date (hopeful)
It was a bit of a bummer to learn of Factions being separated from the release of The Last of Us 2. While TLoU and its predecessor were outstanding games, Factions is what brought us back. With Sony not having an exclusive multiplayer experience for PS5, I think Factions would be more than enough to fill that void.
Remaster for Any of Killzone/Resistance/Warhawk (hopeful)
Sony has a lot of genre-defining titles, but one that is missing is a shooter. That’s not to say that they don’t have those IPs. The only problem? They are stuck on old gen platforms. I know I know. You can technically play most of them (or portions of them, anyway) on PS Now, but their multiplayer aspects are where they shine. Personally, I’d opt for Killzone or Warhawk. If any of these were announced, though, I’d be ecstatic.
Bloodborne Next-Gen Patch (hopeful)
I’ll be straight, I’ve never played Bloodborne. However, that’s not to say that I’ve avoided the fervor from fans aching for a 60fps patch. From Software and Sony seem to have a fantastic relationship, and this feels like another situation for easy money for Sony. I don’t believe From would be the ones to actually update it, but Sony has been loading up on developers that absolutely could.
Third Party Games
Final Fantasy XIV Gameplay (likely)
Thus far, the only thing we have seen has been a trailer for its initial reveal. Little is currently known about how combat plays. I believe Sony and Square Enix are keen on getting info out there, even if the game isn’t releasing until late 2022.
Grant Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Edition Gameplay (likely)
Few things are certain in life, but it’s a safe bet to finally see something for the Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Edition and its online portion exclusive to PlayStation users for 3-months. GTAV has seen an influx of players with the growing trend of GTA RP, so I have to imagine this will be huge for Rockstar and PlayStation this holiday.
Release Date for Firmware Update for Expansion Card Slot (likely)
Firmware beta testers have been testing the functionality for the internal SSD expansion, and it feels like now is the time to roll that out. Testers have been testing firmware 2.0-04.00.00 since late July. The firmware includes access to the M.2 SSD slot, amongst other items. With the console inching closer and closer to that one year mark, now seems like the time for that expansion card unlock.
Kena Bridge of Spirits (likely)
After a breathtaking reveal for Kena, I expect to see a slightly longer gameplay demo. While this showcase is for the future of PlayStation, Kena is one of the bigger (timed) console exclusives this year for PlayStation.
Forspoken Gameplay (likely)
See Final Fantasy XVI above.
Elden Ring Gameplay (likely)
Believe it or not, Elden Ring has a release date of January 21, 2022. For whatever reason, I felt that date was much later in 2022. With press being the only ones able to see 16 minutes of close-door footage, I fully expect Elden Ring to be a show stopper. I would be shocked if they don’t show off a pretty lengthy demo of the game since we have yet to see much. Elden Ring has the buzz behind it, and will be one of the biggest early hits of 2022.
Hogwarts Legacy (hopeful)
We’ll get this out of the way quickly. J.K. Rowling is 100% awful for being a TERF. Her views on trans people are disgusting, and she will financially benefit from any sales of anything related to Harry Potter. Having said that, the IP will truck along as it always does when any creator is mired in controversy.
I’ve never really had an affinity for Harry Potter, but I can see the magic in it. The reveal trailer showcased some of this magic, but I feel that a short gameplay snippet will elevate that even more.
Indies (hopeful)
I have been enamored with how many amazing indie titles have been released recently. If Sony’s investment in Indie studios allows them to unleash their creativity, I’m the last one that will say no. Microsoft has been exceedingly open to Indie support by adding them to Game Pass, and I can’t see Sony letting that happen.
The PlayStation Showcase is kicking off Thursday September 9, 2022 at 1pm PST. You can watch the PlayStation Showcase on Sony’s YouTube or Twitch channels.
