Saros (Release Date: April 30)

Saros is a true spiritual successor to Returnal, taking everything that worked and doubling down on it while introducing some clever design tactics to make it feel more inclusive. Early teases suggest another fast-paced, mechanically demanding action experience, but this time with a stronger focus on world-building and character progression that stays in between runs. With Housemarque’s proven ability to blend tight gameplay with striking visuals, Saros is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing PS5 exclusives on the horizon.

Intergalactic

Naughty Dog’s brand-new IP, Intergalactic marks a major shift for the studio known for grounded storytelling. Set in a retro-futuristic sci-fi universe, the game looks to blend cinematic storytelling with expansive exploration and combat systems that are a lot more dense than what we are used to. While details remain scarce at the moment, Naughty Dog’s pedigree alone makes this a project worth watching closely and we will be observing it more closely in the coming weeks and months.

Marvel’s Wolverine (Release Date: Late 2026)

Insomniac Games has cemented its reputation as one of the best names in Sony’s first-party roster of developers, and Marvel’s Wolverine is the next big step for the team. Set to release in 2026, Marvel’s Wolverine will allegedly focus on a more personal narrative, and the gameplay trailers show some amazing and fast combat which comes together to make it one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year.

Phantom Blade Zero (Release Date: September 9)

Phantom Blade Zero is all about defeating enemies and taking part in lightning-fast combat encounters, and doing it all with absolute style. It blends traditional Chinese martial arts with a dark and gritty aesthetic, and the game seems poised to deliver fluid swordplay that emphasizes precision and timing over swinging flashy combos and racking in multipliers. Unlike many Soulslikes, Phantom Blade Zero appears to focus more on speed and spectacle without sacrificing depth which is a rather interesting premise. If it delivers on its promise of seamless combat animations and stylish encounters, this could be a standout action title for PS5 players craving something fresh.

Nioh 3 (Release Date: February 6)

Nioh has gone on to become a highly successful Souls like series, and Nioh 3 seems poised to continue on that goodwill. It’s largely built around the same combat framework, but Nioh 3 introduces the addition of both Samurai and Ninja combat styles which not only add more variety but should also add an element of personal expression to the meticulous dance of dodges. The visuals and art direction look striking, and Nioh 3 is definitely on our radar when it comes out on Feb 6, 2026.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls looks to bring Marvel’s iconic characters into a more mechanically focused fighting game framework. Rather than chasing realism, the game leans into stylized visuals and fast-paced combat that’s inspired by classic arcade fighters. The combat will unsurprisingly focus on tight inputs, flashy supers, and tag-based mechanics that reward both mechanical prowess and game knowledge.

Fairgame$

Fairgame$ is Sony’s bold attempt at a competitive, multiplayer-focused experience built around high-stakes heists and player-driven chaos. Developed by Haven Studios, the game emphasizes planning, teamwork, and adaptability rather than pure gunplay. Each match is designed to create unpredictable scenarios where things can go wrong very quickly, forcing players to think on their feet. Its vibrant presentation and stylish tone give it a distinct identity, and Fairgame$ has the potential to stand out if its systems encourage memorable, emergent moments.

Ballad of Antara

Ballad of Antara is a dark fantasy action RPG that blends Souls-like sensibilities with a narrative that’s a lot easier to digest. The game’s dual-reality mechanic lets players to shift between different versions of the same world, and that adds an interesting layer to both exploration and combat. Encounters appear deliberate and punishing without feeling overly restrictive, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Combined with stellar art direction and ominous atmosphere, Ballad of Antara looks like a title that could become a huge hit.

Arknights: Endfield (Release Date: January 22)

Arknights: Endfield marks a significant evolution for the franchise, morphing from its mobile tower-defense roots into a full-scale action RPG experience. The game features real-time combat, squad-based mechanics, and expansive environments that place a greater emphasis on exploration. Its already a big hit on the PC, and we are hoping to see a similarly positive response on the PS5 when it comes out in January this year.

Cairn (Release Date: January 29)

Cairn takes a refreshingly grounded approach by focusing almost entirely on climbing and survival. It’s completely devoid of any combat, and the game challenges players through careful resource management, environmental awareness, and precise movement. Every ascent feels dangerous, with mistakes carrying real consequences. It flaunts a rather tasteful art direction which gives the game a unique look and feel. Cairn may not appeal to everyone, but for players looking for something slower, more methodical, and deeply immersive, it stands out as one of the more unique PS5 exclusives in development.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Release Date: February 26)

Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s return brings back a style of racing that prioritizes atmosphere and one-on-one rivalries over flashy spectacle. Set on Japanese highways, the game focuses on high-speed duels, vehicle customization, and learning the nuances of each track – but it’s all quite nostalgic. On PS5, the series looks poised to modernize its visuals while retaining the moody tone that made it so memorable in the first place.

Brocade-Clad Guard

Brocade-Clad Guard immediately stands out thanks to its striking art direction and historical inspirations. Drawing from ancient Chinese aesthetics, the game emphasizes elegant yet deadly combat encounters against some of the fiercest enemies in the land. Swordplay is all about deliberate and disciplined, rewarding timing and positioning over reckless aggression. While details remain relatively scarce, the game’s visual identity alone makes it one of the more intriguing action RPGs on the list.

Exiledge

Another game from PlayStation’s China Hero Initiative, Exiledge is shaping up to be a slick action RPG with an emphasis on speed and fluidity. Combat revolves around being an aggressive warrior, encouraging players to chain attacks, abilities, and movement into seamless encounters. The futuristic aesthetic and vibrant visual effects give it a strong identity, helping it stand apart from the barrage of traditional fantasy RPGs.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake

The remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most anticipated PS5 exclusives, even after a prolonged and uncertain development cycle. Rebuilding such a beloved RPG for modern hardware is a massive undertaking, and while details on the actual implementation remain scant for now – but updated visuals, refined combat systems, and fully voiced characters could breathe new life into its iconic story and open this experience up to a whole new set of fans.

Physint

Physint marks Hideo Kojima’s long-awaited return to the stealth-action genre, and expectations are understandably sky-high. Described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, the game aims to blend cinematic storytelling with deep, systemic stealth gameplay. While concrete information remains tightly under wraps, Physint is very much in a position to serve as a major tentpole release for PlayStation.

4:LOOP

4:LOOP is an experimental sci-fi title built entirely around repetition and discover where each run challenges players to learn more about the world and its systems. Rather than relying on traditional progression, the game encourages mastery through knowledge and experimentation. This structure allows for organic storytelling and player-driven problem-solving. If executed well, 4:LOOP could offer a deeply engaging experience that rewards curiosity and patience, standing apart from more conventional action-driven releases on the platform.

Psycho Dead

Psycho Dead puts players in the shoes of a little girl who has to escape from a secret laboratory that’s filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures. The game flaunts great use of environmental storytelling, using the surroundings to tell a story rather than relying on pure exposition. There are stalker enemies in the vein of something like Mr. X, psychic powers that can be used against enemies, and puzzles that need to be solved in order to progress – so fans of the genre should definitely check this one out.

Parasite: Mutant

Parasite Mutant blends action and horror through a mutation-driven progression system that allows players to evolve their abilities by absorbing enemy traits. This creates an interesting risk-reward dynamic, as greater power often comes at a visible cost. Combat appears fast and aggressive, complemented by a gritty, body-horror-inspired aesthetic. The game’s tone feels unapologetically dark, setting it apart from more polished action titles. If its mechanics are balanced well, Parasite Mutant could deliver a uniquely brutal and memorable PS5 experience.

Loulan The Cursed Sand

Loulan The Cursed Sand draws inspiration from ancient myths and desert folklore, and presents a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery. Played in an isometric perspective, the moment-to-moment gameplay revolves around crawling through enemy-infested dungeons and taking part in free-flowing combat that’s just as deliberate as it is flashy. The art direction on offer is also something worth noting, and Loulan The Cursed Sand does stand out amongst the barrage of other RPGs that are set to come out in the near future.

Project The Perceiver

Currently in development at 17ZHE, Project: The Perceiver is all about using different masks to gain special powers in battle and use them to conquer the fiercest enemies of the land. It operates on a Sekiro-esque framework where the power fantasy of being a warrior has to be rightfully earned, and the visuals look really breathtaking. Project: The Perceiver has a lot of great things on its sleeve, and it’s definitely something that could end up being really big if it plays out correctly.

Interestingly, Drapeau is noted as being one of the first people to work at Haven Studios, and his LinkedIn profile indicates that his departure from the studio took place some time in August. “As of this week, I joined WB Games Montreal Inc. as Creative Director,” wrote Drapeau a few weeks ago on LinkedIn. “I can’t wait to start this wonderful adventure with all the great people here at the studio.”

Drapeau is a veteran of the gaming industry, having first started out as a game tester all the way back in 2006. Since then, he has slowly worked his way up the ranks, especially in the field of game design. Among the projects that Drapeau has worked on include Rainbow Six Siege and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Throughout his career, Drapeau primarily worked at Ubisoft before leaving the company to join Haven Studios back in 2021.

Drapeau isn’t the first major departure from Haven Studios’ Fairgame$ project. Studio head and founder Jade Raymond had left the company back in May. A PlayStation spokesperson confirmed this with a statement, thanking Raymond for her contributions to the studio’s work. Her position has since been taken up by Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski as co-studio heads.

“Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios,” said the spokesperson about Raymond’s departure. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Haven Studios had announced Fairgame$ all the way back in May 2023. Since then, however, no details about the game have been confirmed by either the studio or PlayStation. Fairgame$ is slated to be a heist title with PvEvP gameplay, and is currently being developed for PC and PS5.

Fairgame$ was announced with a trailer, which showcased a crew of three players making use of tools like grappling hooks to breach a seemingly secure facility. Along the way, the group encounters another group that is seemingly trying to steal the same thing from the same location.

A job listing for Fairgame$ indicated that it would be a major AAA release for Haven Studios and PlayStation. The listing noted that the title has been on track with its development, and is slated “to deliver a AAA multiplayer experience.”

While no official details have been confirmed as of yet, rumours from back in May indicate that, along with its core extraction shooter gameplay, Fairgame$ will also feature elements from other live service titles like Fortnite and Tom Clancy’s The Division. However, playtests have indicated that development on the title wasn’t going as well as Haven Studios had hoped, with feedback revolving around how it “doesn’t feel good to play” and feels “super clunky”.

Remember when Sony said that Ghost of Yōtei marked the beginning of plans to launch “major single-player games titles every year?” That really came back to haunt me recently when the company highlighted Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei as its big single-player offerings for the rest of the fiscal year. And the next? Well, it hasn’t said anything, but Marvel’s Wolverine and Intergalactic are coming. Eventually. There’s at least Housemarque’s Saros, which has a confirmed 2026 release window. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNZ8w6clqo4

Of course, what the company doesn’t want to admit is how much of a failure its live service initiative has been or how much it set back its many studios (the ones still around, that is). When it closed 2023 with Naughty Dog cancelling The Last of Us standalone multiplayer title, it probably didn’t expect Helldivers 2 to become such a massive hit. Thus, it continued to fulfill Jim Ryan’s ambitious plan to release over 10 live service titles before April 2026.

It’s now June 2025. The report card currently sits at three more projects confirmed to be cancelled before they even saw the light of day, much less an announcement trailer. SIE London Studio is gone. Bend Studio recently faced layoffs and is apparently trying to come up with something new. Bluepoint Games is still a relative unknown. The rumored Twisted Metal and Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Great Web are allegedly canned. Fairgame$ (which is now reportedly Fairgames sans dollar sign) is in trouble with Haven Studios founder Jade Raymond gone and no updates since the CGI trailer from two years ago. An alleged external playtest was reportedly met with a mixed response, with some apparently describing the battle royale/extraction shooter experience as borrowing elements from Fortnite and The Division.

I forgot that a Horizon multiplayer title was in the works, and you did too.

And I would go, “The less said about Concord, perhaps the biggest first-party failure in Sony’s history, the better.” However, at a reported cost of $200 million, which didn’t include the price of acquiring Firewalk Studios or the game’s rights (and didn’t even fully fund development), that statement doesn’t do enough justice to the sheer damage caused.

Then there’s Marathon, and where do we even begin? An iffy reveal that lacked the energy of the first trailer. “Varied” feedback from its closed alpha, according to Sony – a neat euphemism for “mixed, leaning negative.” Annoyances at the lack of content. And, of course, the controversy involving the unauthorized use of an independent artist’s assets. The damage is apparently so extensive that Bungie hasn’t showcased anything new ever since. Perhaps the biggest positive is that it delayed the game past September 23rd and is looking to polish the game further, including adding proximity chat. As it stands, the most impressive thing is the CG trailer, which may as well exist in a different universe.

Where did it all go so wrong? How did a publisher for some of the greatest triple-A single-player titles in the world fall so far? How did the PS5 have more incredible first-party titles at launch than the entirety of last year (and no, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered doesn’t count)? Yes, there are some great games to look forward to this year, and there’s only a three-month gap or so between Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei, but the future is looking very iffy. The fact that Microsoft, of all companies, has published more titles this year than Sony, both third and first-party, is truly fascinating, and its future first-party offerings look much more enticing between Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, the next Forza, State of Decay 3, Perfect Dark, and Clockwork Revolution.

At what point did the powers that be at Sony decide a brand known for its incredible franchises should sweep them under the rug in favor of making a quick buck? When did it decide that names like Uncharted, Sly Cooper, LittleBigPlanet, Until Dawn (barring the iffy remake), Jak and Daxter, Syphon Filter, MotorStorm, inFamous, Killzone, Resistance, and so on should be kept on ice? Heck, even The Last of Us, for that matter. It’s been five years since The Last of Us Part 2 was released, and there are still no signs of a sequel or any kind of follow-up or continuation. Then again, at least Naughty Dog has other titles in the works, including an announced project that Neil Druckmann is producing.

What makes the situation even sadder is that these decisions are negatively impacting the company itself. Outside of layoffs, there’s also the money and time wasted on these cancelled projects. Imagine if Bluepoint Games was working on the eternally rumored Bloodborne remaster. What if Motorstorm made a comeback with even better visuals and larger environments? What if, and stay with me here, a sequel to Days Gone? The latter seems somewhat possible somewhere down the line, but it’s anyone’s guess as to when.

Is it worse than Sony continuing to invest in Marathon and Fairgames, which could either be duds or disasters in the making? Honestly, choose the lesser evil at this point. Similar to Concord, it’s probably a case of Sony trying to recoup some of the cash already invested in these titles. Sadly, it’s not. In Sony’s recent Fireside Chat with investors, PlayStation Studios head Herment Hulst said the company remains “very committed to building a diverse and resilient live service portfolio.”

While acknowledging the “challenges” of Concord, he added, “We have reviewed our processes to ensure that we’re not going to make those mistakes again. We have introduced much more rigorous processes for validating our creative, commercial, and development assumptions, and we now do that on a much more ongoing basis.” Oh, and the goal with Marathon is to release a “very bold, very innovative and deeply engaging title.” This was before the announced delay, but the message is clear: Sony isn’t done with live service by a long shot, even after all the failures.

The damage isn’t irreparable, especially when considering an entire console generation. You could also argue that Sony doesn’t need to think about how many first-party titles it’s releasing. After all, the PS5 has reportedly earned more profit than the PlayStation 1 through 4 combined. It hosted some excellent third-party games this generation, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Black Myth: Wukong and Silent Hill 2 remake.

There’s even Lost Soul Aside to look forward to, even with the multiple delays throughout the years, to say nothing of all the ChinaHero projects – Daba: Land of Water Scar, Exiledge, The Winds Rising, the list goes on. Granted, AI Limit and Evotinction are games that came and went without much impact, but they’re certainly smaller scale compared to the other heavy hitters.

However, it seems we’ve gone beyond “arrogant Sony” and straight into the realm of “indifferent Sony,” where it seemingly can pivot to and from a failed initiative without worrying that players will stop buying the PS5. And if you don’t get a new game in your favorite franchise, much less a first-party title, well, isn’t that a shame? Maybe in the next generation.

As someone who spent dozens of hours in Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, I still remember looking back on the initial announcement of the initiative and thinking, “Okay, but that’s way too much.” It seemed like Sony didn’t fully grasp why Legends – and even Factions from The Last of Us – was so great and popular, but surely it wouldn’t mess up, right? At this point, with its stubborn commitment to finding some success in the live-service space, I can only hope that it moves forward and sticks to what it does best. The only thing worse than chasing trends that your fans are sick of is chasing those that they never really cared for in the first place.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

A report from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier revealed that this occurred after an alleged external test that caused concern for its developers (who were also left in the dark about the reason for Raymond’s departure). According to the Sacred Symbols Podcast on Patreon (via MauroNL), the pre-alpha was allegedly named Project Hearts and hasn’t received good feedback.

Some of this apparently included that it “doesn’t feel good to play” and currently feels “super clunky.” The gameplay is reportedly “battle royale crossed with an extraction shooter,” featuring elements of Fortnite and Tom Clancy’s The Division.

Of course, beyond conducting heists and running into rival crews, Haven Studios hasn’t detailed or showcased any gameplay. Fairgame$ allegedly won’t launch until Spring 2026, though given Sony’s current stance on live-service projects, it may be cancelled. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, read more about Marathon, another troubled live-service title under Sony.

A spokesperson for PlayStation told Bloomberg, “Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.” Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski have taken over as co-studio heads, with the publisher “committed to supporting Haven Studios and excited to continue the journey.”

Those knowledgeable about the matter told Jason Schreier that the studio was left in the dark about the reason for Raymond’s departure. This followed an alleged external test for Fairgame$ (apparently now going by Fairgames), with some developers reportedly concerned about its progress.

Sources also told Schreier that Fairgame$ was supposed to launch this Fall, but is now targeting Spring 2026 for release (which is in line with a previous rumor). Following the failure of Concord, Sony has cancelled several of its live service projects, including the standalone The Last of Us multiplayer project, a God of War multiplayer title from Bluepoint and a fantasy RPG from SIE London Studio.

Whether Fairgame$ is also shelved remains to be seen. It’s currently in the works for PS5 and PC.

There doesn’t seem to be any hope for a shadow drop this year. On the recent Game Mess Decides, Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb revealed, “No Fairgame$ this year. Fairgame$, as far as I’m aware, has been pushed to 2026.”

It’s somewhat understandable – the staggering failure of Concord reportedly led to Sony reconsidering its live service plans and cancelling projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. Perhaps it’s taking more time for polish to ensure a satisfactory experience. Maybe there are some overhauls. Either way, it may be a while before it’s playable.

The premise of Fairgame$ sees players as heisters who venture into “forbidden locations” worldwide to steal “cool loot.” Unraveling the “nefarious plans” of billionaires is also on the menu, as the gameplay focuses on emergent sandbox PvP. It’s currently being developed for PS5 and PC. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac Games has been pumping out hit after hit this generation with Ratchet and Clank and Spider-Man, and the developer is hard at work on its next project Marvel’s Wolverine. Not a lot has been revealed at this point, but the reveal trailer does paint a grim tone for the story which has us salivating to know more. No release has been revealed as of yet, but it will be coming out for PS5 sometime in the near future.

Interestingly enough, that information comes from a job listing that was recently published. The listing, which is for a producer role, says the game is “on track” to deliver a systemic game built on “freedom, thrill, and playfulness” that, as per Haven, will evolve and be supported over a long period of time.

“We’ve made amazing progress in a short time thanks to our talented, passionate team and their exceptional contributions,” the listing reads. “We established a culture at Haven grounded in kindness, adaptability and courage that unlocks creativity. Our first new IP for PlayStation is on track to deliver a AAA multiplayer experience with a vision to build a systemic and evolving world focused on freedom, thrill, and playfulness that will keep players entertained and engaged for years.”

What exactly does that mean for Fairgame$ and how far along it is in production? Obviously, Haven hasn’t provided any insight into that, so it remains unknown how long it’ll be before we see some actual gameplay footage from the heist shooter. Leaks have claimed that a State of Play is coming up soon, where Sony will allegedly be providing updates on fellow live service shooter Concord and a new Astro Bot game– could Fairgame$ show up there as well? One can hope, at least, though unlike, say, Concord, Fairgame$ does not have an official launch window target that it needs to hit.

Fairgame$ is in development for PS5 and PC.

With the new year finally here, it’s time to check out all the big titles(with the occasional releases also coming to PC and PS4) that PS5 owners can look forward to in 2024 and beyond. So, without further ado, let’s get into it, starting with…

Rise of the Ronin

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja are no strangers to releasing PlayStation-only titles. However, none of us imagined it had Rise of the Ronin in its pocket and ready to release on March 22nd for PS5. Set in feudal Japan during the Bakumatsu, you play as a Veiled Edge with his own backstory who meets up with various historical figures, including the legendary Sakamoto Ryoma. Based on the decisions made and bonds formed, there are different outcomes and endings to unlock.

There’s plenty to look forward to with the gameplay, with the open world having three major cities – Edo, Yokohama and Kyoto – along with the countryside and other areas to explore. You can undertake side quests and earn reputation, and there are even some Souls-like mechanics like Karma to recover upon death. A lot has yet to be revealed for the title, but thus far, the thought of gliding across cities and unleashing death from above or parrying a flaming arrow back at an enemy to ignite your blade and devastate other foes looks great.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

After over three years since its PS4 launch, The Last of Us Part 2 is getting the “Remastered” treatment…which is a fancy way of saying that an official PS5 version is finally launching. Out on January 19th for $50 ($10 if you already own the PS4 version), it features three Lost Levels cut from the final game, with developer commentary to provide more details. Director Neil Druckmann and narrative lead Hally Gross will also provide commentary for all the in-game cutscenes, with Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Laura Bailey offering their own insight. There’s also Guitar Free Play (with other instruments to unlock), Speedrun Mode, DualSense support, new accessibility options and two graphics modes – Fidelity and Performance.

However, the biggest addition is No Return, a roguelike survival mode where players progress to various locations, battling the infected. There are different objectives, like Holdout, where you must survive with an AI companion against the Infected. Though upgrades, weapons and skills disappear after every run, you can unlock new outfits that persist between runs. With challenges, random Mods for encounters and Gambits to complete for more resources, No Return could be as endearing as God of War Ragnarok’s recent Valhalla DLC.

Pacific Drive

There have been plenty of rogue-lites and roguelikes lately, but Pacific Drive puts a little spin on it all by adding driving. Trapped within the Olympic Exclusion Zone in the Pacific Northwest (hence the name), players must venture into the rapidly changing wilderness with nothing but their wits and station wagon to survive.

The Exclusion Zone contains its fair share of anomalies, some more dangerous than others, but thankfully, you can upgrade the car to boost its survivability. Of course, that means getting out and scavenging those resources by hand. Better hope you didn’t forget to leave the car in park, lest it goes rolling downhill on its own.

Pacific Drive offers an intriguing mix of exploration, lore and supernatural atmosphere, and we can’t wait to see what secrets the Zone holds. It launches on February 22nd for PS5 and PC.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sees players explore the world outside Midgar, and they’ll happen upon new locations and towns (like Crow’s Nest), brimming with side quests and characters. There are new activities to play around with, from the CCG Queen’s Blood to piano playing and new Summons to bring into battle.

The combat system has also received several revamps with new Synergy Attacks. Those who want to experience the setting can expect a 40-hour-long journey, but much of the playtime is in the side content. You can easily spend another 60 hours getting lost in the world and completing side quests, with 100 hours of gameplay promised. It’s a massive game in scope and scale, and it’s out on February 29th for PS5.

Death Stranding 2

Any Hideo Kojima game is bound to elicit a few questions, and Death Stranding 2 is no exception. Why is protagonist Sam Porter Bridges old? Why was Fragile trying to escape with a BB (and from who)? What’s the spaceship about? How do all the other teased actors play a part? Is Higgs really back? Perhaps most important: When can we expect it to release?

The answers aren’t forthcoming, but Kojima has teased plenty, from “new techniques” allowing for more photorealistic CG” (with actor Elle Fanning saying it’s going to look even better, despite already being outstanding) to changing the meaning of Strand and using music in brand new ways. It’s a lot but also not very much, and we must know more. With Japanese voice recording starting this year, a 2024 launch on PS5 may not happen, but we can still hope.

Silent Hill 2

Among the eagerly awaited remakes is Silent Hill 2, finally revealed in 2022 with The Medium and Layers of Fear developer Bloober Team at the helm. It’s developed on Unreal Engine 5 and looks downright amazing, while delivering revamped combat (with an over-the-shoulder camera) and set pieces. Best of all, there won’t be any changes to the “narrative core” of the experience, as Konami aims to make it as close to the original as possible.

2023 came and went without new trailers, details or footage, but development is still “progressing smoothly.” Based on PlayStation’s trailer for upcoming 2024 releases, it could very well launch this year on PS5 and PC. It’s not official until Konami makes it official, so stay tuned.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake

Remember when Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake was announced in September 2021 and promised a ground-up remake to the joy of many fans? How Aspyr Media was in charge of this big-name PS5 exclusive?

That was less than three years ago, and since then, there have rumors of development shifting to another developer, cancellation, refuting the cancellation, and so on. We know nothing about the remake – how it plays or its visuals outside the first announcement trailer. Here’s hoping for some good news in the coming months.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac Games ended 2023 with one of the most devastating leaks in gaming history, but that hasn’t dulled our enthusiasm for Marvel’s Wolverine. Helmed by the team behind Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales fame, it promises a mature tone while respecting the character’s DNA.

As a standalone title, it features some top-of-the-line developers and creative team. Regardless of whenever it releases and how it builds on the anti-hero’s mythos while offering some compelling gameplay, it should be as big of a PS5 exclusive as Insomniac’s Spider-Man titles.

Sword of the Sea

When a game offers a Hoversword – a sword crossed with a hoverboard, skateboard and snowboard – do you need much more? Giant Squid of ABZU and The Pathless fame thought so with its next title, Sword of the Sea. Featuring the Necropolis, a vast world of waves, players must revitalize it with the sea while tackling dangerous leviathans. With the ability to execute sick tricks and effortlessly cut through massive landscapes to composer Austin Wintory’s music, Sword of the Sea looks to be another classic in the making from Giant Squid. It’s coming to PS5 and PC with a release date yet to be announced.

Phantom Blade Zero

If there weren’t enough stylish hack-and-slash titles coming to PS5 (and PC) in the future, add S-Game’s Phantom Blade Zero to the list. It’s inspired by Ninja Gaiden with a steampunk aesthetic and easily executable combos (though there’s still parrying and dodging). But wait, there’s more, as it also offers a 30 to 40 hour story with plenty of side quests, an end-game with a roguelike activity and multiplayer dungeons. While it sounds too good to be true, S-Game will release a 30-minute demo this year, so we’ll probably experience Phantom Blade Zero’s blend of action sooner rather than later.

Helldivers 2

Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers has been long overdue for a sequel, one that allows for traveling the galaxy and waging war against aliens for the sake of Super-Earth. Cue Helldivers 2, not only upping the fidelity but going third-person, increasing the immersion as you call down stratagems like airstrikes and chuck explosives at the hordes of bugs (or sentient robots). All the first game’s mechanics, from friendly fire to four-player co-op, are here. Progression is still a bit mysterious, but it seems mission completion and clearing hostile locations will be part of a grand war effort. We’ll find out when Helldivers 2 launches on February 8th for PS5 and PC.

Lost Soul Aside

Lost Soul Aside began development in 2014 when solo developer Yang Bin sought to create a hack-and-slash action RPG inspired by modern slashers. As the years progressed, the project grew bigger and joined Sony’s China Hero Project, with a development team, UltiZero Games, established. It’s in development for PS5 and PC, and while a release window still isn’t confirmed, the extensive gameplay from last year looks sharp, with promising combat and boss battles.

Fairgame$

The past year hasn’t been great for fans of heist games with underwhelming titles like Crime Boss: Rockay City and Payday 3. Nevertheless, Haven Entertainment Studios’ Fairgame$ could offer a fresh competitive heist experience for PS5 and PC. As a present-day Robin Hood, you’re part of a movement to rob the rich, venturing into locations to steal as much as possible while presumably dealing with rival crews. There’s a focus on emergent sandbox elements, with the CGI trailer showcasing grappling hooks and using environmental objects as shields, but a release window and gameplay have yet to be revealed.

Concord

If one first-party multiplayer with barely any details to go by isn’t enough, how about two? Firewalk Studios’ Concord is a sci-fi first-person shooter focused on PvP, with players venturing to different worlds and interacting with “colorful characters.” It’s part of Sony’s slate of live-service titles, coming to PS5 and PC in 2024, but that’s pretty much all we know. Firewalk and Sony have partnered since 2021, with the publisher acquiring the developer just last year. There’s a very strong chance of Concord arriving this year, but at this point, we need more details (and maybe a public beta or two to try it out).

EXILEDGE

Many titles in PlayStation’s China Hero Project offer stylish aesthetics and visuals. Enigmatrix’s EXILEDGE has a certain grunge to it, though, taking place on a planet of massive sci-fi constructs and oceans. Players control a tower diver who ventures to these constructs with third-person shooting and abilities. While it’s somewhat reminiscent of Outriders in gameplay look and feel, the movement appears much faster-paced with all kinds of fantastical enemies and creatures to battle. EXILEDGE doesn’t have a release window, but it’s exclusive to PS5.

Daba: Land of Water Scar

Exclusive to PS5, Daba: Land of Water Scar looks very stylish, with some Sekiro-esque parry mechanics and imaginative bosses. The story focuses on a clay puppet Daba, who turns human and must collect water fragments to save the world. Boasting interconnected levels, from ruins to snowy landscapes, and a sharp aesthetic, it could be another worthwhile action RPG for Sony’s catalogue.

Convallaria

Yet another title announced years ago, Convallaria is also a part of PlayStation’s China Hero Project. In development for PS4 and PS5, it’s seemingly an extraction shooter as up to 100 players battle PvE threats and engage in PvP. There are missions to complete, resources to gather and mysteries to solve. The art style mixes sci-fi and fantasy with a large map to explore and over-the-top enemies to fight. It looks fun and chaotic, but again, a release window has yet to be announced.

Project: The Perceiver

Papergames’ Project: The Perceiver is touted as a multiplatform title but has thus far only been confirmed for PS4 and PS5. Based on Lao Zhuang canon, it’s an open-world action game with players controlling the Master of Varietas. You meet different characters and “consolidate their distinctive ideals into masks,” as described by the developer, and combat looks fairly punishing. A release window is still unknown, but hopefully, there will be more details this year.

The Winds Rising

Another title in the China Hero Project, The Winds Rising is a PS5 action RPG with a heavy narrative focus. Players control a girl who meets a monster cub and embarks on an adventure which could shape the kingdom. Promising a “refreshing and smooth combat experience” along with an “immersive and captivating story,” The Winds Rising has yet to receive any gameplay or other details, but it comes from TiGames, who released the underrated F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch. For that reason alone, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Towers of Aghasba

A gorgeous-looking open world title with surreal flora and fauna, Dreamlit Inc.’s Towers of Aghasba is about exploration and nurturing settlements. Set on the titular island, you can create massive villages and watch them grow with various inhabitants. As a member of the Shimu tribe, you’re tasked with revitalizing the land, interacting with strange creatures and ultimately restoring the ecosystem. There’s even a bit of Animal Crossing: New Horizons mixed in, as you can visit other players’ islands or invite them to your own and explore together. Towers of Aghasba doesn’t have a release date, but it’s coming to PS5 and PC.

Some are fine with that. Others are probably angry. You can make up your mind. However, it does raise the question: What are Sony’s first-party studios doing?

Let’s start with the confirmed titles. First is Insomniac Games, which finally showcased gameplay for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Not only did it introduce Kraven as one of the new villains, but also Dr Curt Connors in his Lizard incarnation, tearing through the East River as Kraven’s Hunters chased him. The Symbiote suit was also revealed, but on Peter Parker, who has some new brutal abilities to go with it. Miles Morales was no slouch, showcasing new gadgets and enhanced Venom Blast powers that can chain lightning.

It was a lot to dissect, and we’re left with many questions about the story (like the state of Harry Osborne). A release date isn’t confirmed, but Insomniac said it would share the same soon with other details like the pre-order date, accessibility features and more.

Haven Studios, founded by Jade Raymond of Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs and EA Motive fame, also showcased its brand-new title, Fairgame$. Coming to PS5 and PC, it’s an online heist game with competitive elements. No gameplay was showcased, but the various scenarios of its CG trailer did reinforce the emergent sandbox moments that Haven is going for.

Heisters had a grappling hook which could, well, grapple onto the environment and hoist them up. However, it could also grapple a piece of metal to use as a shield or create a barrier against laser wires. It appears to support three-player teams, but not much else is known. A QR code led to a page that may be for pre-registering for an upcoming closed beta. It’s either that or Sony really wants to know which billionaire needs a spanking (seriously).

Firewalk Studios, founded in 2018 by Harold Ryan, former CEO of Bungie, unveiled its new title as well. It’s a PvP first-person shooter called Concord out in 2024 for PS5 and PC. That’s more or less it – yes, once again, no gameplay was showcased. It was touted as a “unique universe of vibrant worlds” and a “rich cast of colorful characters,” so maybe a hero shooter? It’s too early to say, but its director and executive producer have worked on Destiny, so we’ll see.

Odd as it sounds, that’s really all that was revealed on the first-party side. Bungie is owned by Sony and unveiled Marathon, but that’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC with crossplay and cross-save. It’s also a PvP extraction shooter, presumably one with live-service elements. Again, time will tell, but at least whenever gameplay debuts, it will be closer to the game’s release. So there’s that.

It’s understandable for some to be worried that this is all Sony has in the pipeline from its first-party studios. However, Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reported that “a lot of the games we’re waiting on seeing are pretty much ready” and he was unsure why Sony chose to not reveal them. The Snitch further chimed in, stating that there some announcements weren’t revealed at the Showcase, and it’s unknown why.

One of those is a PC port for a triple-A title reportedly out in July. That would probably answer what Nixxes is up to, though your guess is as good as ours as what said title could be (update: It’s Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, out on July 26th for Steam and the Epic Games Store).

Some of the projects we know about that aren’t formally announced include Bend Studio’s next game. The Days Gone developer is working on a new IP with a “whole new world,” which builds on the open-world systems seen in its zombie survival title and incorporates multiplayer. It’s planning to reveal the title when the time is “right” – sadly, that time wouldn’t be at the recent PlayStation Showcase.

Firesprite, fresh off of releasing Horizon Call of the Mountain with Guerrilla Games, had job listings last year for a “triple-A narrative-driven horror adventure game.” However, later rumors indicated that it’s also working on a reboot of Twisted Metal, with a former Destruction AllStars director onboard. While Firesprite never officially announced it, several job listings emerged last February for a new triple-A multiplayer title that “aims to break new ground in multiplayer, blending gameplay mechanics in new ways and deeply embedding storytelling elements into a unique universe.”

The Principal Designer listing also mentioned “mechanics around vehicular and on-foot combat.” Even if Twisted Metal is in the works, perhaps to coincide with the upcoming show, it seems to be a ways off from release.

Guerrilla Games released Horizon Forbidden West last year to critical and commercial success and followed it up with the Burning Shores expansion this past April. It also worked on the PlayStation VR2 title Horizon Call of the Mountain. Given how Forbidden West and Burning Shores ended, we can safely assume Horizon 3 is on the way.

For its part, the developer confirmed that it would continue “to create epic solo adventures for Aloy.” However, it’s also working on an online Horizon game, developed by a “new internal team” and featuring a “new cast of characters” and a “unique stylized look.” Subsequent job listings have suggested that it will be open-world and feature new Machines, though, again, it may be a while before any gameplay is showcased.

There’s been a lot of talk about online titles and live service, so here’s some potentially good news for single-player fans – Ghost of Tsushima developer Sucker Punch Productions put up job listings last year for a new project. The Encounter Designer listing indicated this was “an open-world game, with a particular focus on melee combat and stealth.”

That sounds like a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima is in development. Whether it’s coming sooner than expected, especially since the first game was released in 2020, remains to be seen, but it would be incredibly hype. Will Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, the amazing four-player co-op experience, also return? It probably isn’t beyond Sony to already have a live-service spin-off based on the same in development, so we’ll see.

Amid all of Sony’s first-party studios, Bluepoint Games appears to be the most low-key. The Demon’s Souls remake developer revealed earlier this year that it was “hard at work on our next project” but also that it would showcase it “When the time is right. All good things take time.” What’s particularly interesting is that this project isn’t a remake but “original content,” according to Sony. A sequel to Bloodborne, as rumored by XboxEra in October 2021? One could hope, but the mill has run dry on reliable Bloodborne rumors over the years.

LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule confirmed that live support for Dreams would end on September 1st, 2023, as it focuses on its “exciting new project.” The developer has confirmed it’s not Dreams 2 or based on the IP. Studio co-founder Mark Healey, who served as the creative director of Dreams, left the studio shortly after the announcement.

Another co-founder, Kareem Ettouney, who also served as art director, also departed the studio earlier this year. While this doesn’t mean Media Molecule are in trouble, you have to wonder what it means for the future, especially since ending support for Dreams wasn’t an “easy decision.”

Another low-key first-party studio lately has been London Studio, which released VR shooter Blood and Truth in 2019. It confirmed last October that it’s working on a non-VR, online co-op title set in London but with a fantasy twist. Developed on the in-house Soho Engine, co-studio head Tara Saunders said it’s the studio’s “most ambitious game to date.” While it doesn’t use “all different bits of peripherals, it is still about taking that DNA of innovation and putting it into any game concept,” per Saunders.

Regarding the theme, co-studio head Stuart Whyte revealed, “Our overarching theme is about bringing fantastical and magical elements and intersecting that with familiar worlds, and you don’t get much more familiar to us than London.” Again, sounds interesting, but it may be a ways off from release.

Astro’s Playroom developer Team Asobi was one of the only teams to survive the end of Japan Studio and now exists as a standalone developer. Last we heard, it’s working on “a franchise for all ages with global appeal,” per PlayStation Studios head Herman Hulst. A job listing in July 2021 indicated the studio was hiring for a 3D action title and that creativity and humor would be a part of it. Again, no formal announcement made, so it’s a toss-up when we’ll hear about it.

Finally, there’s Naughty Dog, working on a standalone multiplayer title for The Last of Us. Unfortunately, it seems that development has run into some issues. The developer revealed it’s giving the project “more time,” while Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier said it’s being reassessed for “quality and long-term viability.”

The development team has reportedly been scaled back, with some going to work on other projects, but it’s not cancelled. Interestingly, Naughty Dog said it has “other games” in the works, including a “brand new single-player experience.” The Last of Us director Neil Druckmann confirmed he was working on a new project last year, while also saying it was “too early” to discuss. He’s open to developing The Last of Us Part 3, but that’s not exactly set in stone (yet).

There were rumors of an Uncharted reboot, developed by a different studio. A new recruiter was brought on last year to build teams for “new games” and the “legacy of Uncharted.” Sony would subsequently announce a new internal studio in San Diego with PlayStation Studios Visual Arts to work with Naughty Dog on a “new project in a beloved franchise.” A tease for what could be the next Uncharted was spotted in a live-action trailer for PS5 in January, but again, nothing official has been announced.

There are other first-party studios like Housemarque and Santa Monica Studio, but the former has not indicated its next project. The latter released God of War Ragnarok last November, and it may be a long while before its next project is unveiled. Polyphony Digital indicated in February that work has started on the next Gran Turismo, but it can’t talk about the same just yet. In the meantime, it continues to pump out content updates for Gran Turismo 7.

Given all the projects in development, it remains to be seen if Sony will have more State of Plays this year to showcase its other projects. It’s not odd to see a publisher hold back announcements to avoid bloating its shows (see Xbox). Sony may also be taking a page out of Nintendo’s book and keeping its completed projects under wraps before announcing and releasing them within the same time frame.

If nothing else, it could also be a lean year for triple-A exclusives on the PS5. Given Sony’s recently revealed strategy to have two or more major games yearly, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise. As horrifying as that no doubt sounds for the PlayStation diehard, the company has released several high-profile exclusives since the PS5’s launch in November 2020. There’s bound to be some downtime in between.

Nevertheless, it should still be an interesting year for PS5 players. Final Fantasy 16 is out in June; Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is reportedly targeting a September release; Helldivers 2 is later this year; and we’re still awaiting news on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the next chapter in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, still planned for Winter 2023. The near future is pretty bright, even if we still need more details on what’s coming in 2024 and beyond.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.