By Zach Thomas

After E3 2021 had come and gone, something sure seemed to be missing…

We had Microsoft, Nintendo, Capcom, Ubisoft, and many, many other companies showing off what they have been working on, what’s to come, but still seems like something was off. Sure it was again a virtual/online version of events, but we have all likely grown accustomed to online events and showcases.

Despite having a State of Play in June showing off Horizon: Forbidden West, it feels like there is a large void in gaming at the moment. And as mentioned in our recap of the XBOX & Bethesda Game Studios Showcase, there seems to be a large shift incoming in the power struggle of console gaming. We are seeing Microsoft make bold moves, smart strategic changes, and really focus on the gamer in what is almost a complete swap from last generation.

Currently on deck for PlayStation we have Horizon: Forbidden West coming possibly the end of this year, God of War: Ragnorak coming hopefully early 2022, a Gran Turismo is in the works as well, along with new IP from Bend Studios and just announced unknown title from Deviation Games. Before the last State of Play word broke that there are twenty-three titles in development from the various owned and partnered studios from PlayStation. And shortly after E3 2021, Sony announced that they had acquired Housemarque as well. However through the recent months and years there has been a decrease in studios for PlayStation, and what seems to be a shift in focus by the company. We are seeing multiple IPs being utilized in various other forms of entertainment, an Uncharted film starring Spiderman himself Tom Holland has wrapped and slated to come out early 2022. Then over at HBO there is a series being developed in the world of The Last of Us, with Neil Druckmann heavily involved in the inner workings of the show. Additionally there were strong rumors suggesting a Twisted Metal show and Ghost of Tsushima Movie are both in development breaking earlier this year.

What changed since last generation where we almost knew most of the slate of games multiple years out, whereas now we have more info on PlayStation in other media forms aside from gaming. Or from even earlier generations where PlayStation not only heralded as the highest quality of first party titles, but also boasted the biggest range of genres. Just look at the variety that graced the PS3 generation:

Arcade Racer: Motorstorm

Play/Create/Share: Little Big Planet and Modnation Racers

Simulation Racer: Gran Turismo

First Person Shooters: Killzone and Resistance

Third Person Adventure: Uncharted and Heavenly Sword

Third Person Action: InFamous and The Last of Us

Party Games: Buzz! and Singstar

Tactical Shooters: SOCOM and MAG

Family Games: Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, and Rachet & Clank

Unique “Artistic” Games: Beyond, Heavy Rain, and Journey (Thatgamecompany titles)

And while we are early on in the PS5 generation it would certainly be a shock to those paying attention to hear that PlayStation is dusting off Buzz! for another round. Or returning to make a Free To Play Modnation Racers game with loads of potential DLC and content packs with the vast abundance of PlayStation properties. Or another long running hope of mine a new Jet Moto (PS1 jet ski racing gem for you youngsters). Or possibly even have Deviation bring SOCOM back to life again in either a Free To Play style or priced release. However none of these seem likely to fit into the current roadmap for PlayStation. And while these ideas aren’t bad in my humble opinion, they certainly aren’t the sure fire hits like putting out sequels to Spiderman or Ghost of Tsushima would be and that seems to be where PlayStation is right now. Albeit predictable, but it is also safe and when your main rival in Microsoft is being as bold as they have and have the financial viability to go even further if need be, where does that leave PlayStation.

Will gamers, some of whom are in the fifth console lifecycle be ok with this vast shift away from diversity and the push for strictly marquee or AAA titles. Will the consumers be ok to just wait around and see if these new entertainment options produce the hopeful revenue streams for the company overall to return to some boldness of their own. Or perhaps PlayStation will just announce the remainder or majority of the remaining twenty-three titles in development and that will be enough to reassure many of their gaming faithful. Only time will tell and in time I’ll lay out some things that I would love to see PlayStation do in the coming months to realign themselves more with what we’ve been collectively used to from the predominant industry leader.

Would love to hear some of your ideas on that state of PlayStation, games in general, and what you would love to see from any of the major players in the industry. Comment here and please follow @GameWrote on Twitter and Instagram to interact more with me.