Silent Hill 2 Remake Release Date

Whether it’s posters allegedly showing up in GameStop, the ESRB rating the title or Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb reporting an appearance at the rumored PlayStation Showcase and The Snitch seemingly corroborating, Silent Hill 2’s time is nigh. Bloober Team’s remake could get new gameplay and a release date, with CEO Piotr Babieno outright saying last month that the latter is happening “soon”. Based on all the evidence, launching this Fall or Winter wouldn’t be surprising. Perhaps in time for the constantly rumored…

PS5 Pro Reveal

With nearly everything about it leaked save for the design and price, it’s almost a given that Sony could finally unveil the PS5 Pro. The release window is still a bit iffy – Grubb reported a September 2024 release, while Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson indicated a Holiday launch, potentially slipping due to the lack of big first-party titles before claiming a Fall release window. Either way, with an alleged 28 percent more memory bandwidth, 33.5 TFLOPs GPU and support for Sony’s new supersampling tech, it could make a splash if Silent Hill 2 remake is a showcase title. As for when it could be announced, the PlayStation Showcase makes sense, but it could very well be at the Sony Corporate Group Meeting occurring soon.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Release Date and New Gameplay

Along with the Silent Hill 2 remake, PlayStation did this wonderful thing in January, where it outright said Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is coming in 2024. There’s been no denial from Konami nor acceptance, only the assurance last March that development is going well, thank you for asking, etc. However, it also promised an upcoming video presentation with “bigger announcements.” What better time than this Summer to provide an updated gameplay reveal and release date?

Ghost of Tsushima 2 Announcement

There have been some rumors about Ghost of Tsushima 2, though nothing as of late as we approach Sony’s alleged PlayStation Showcase this month. Nevertheless, the time feels ripe, with Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut available on PC and the movie (directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame) coming up. If it happens, expect limited to no gameplay and a potential release window in 2025.

Next Astro Bot Reveal

Of course, the other possible reveal is the next Astro Bot game. Team Asobi has been quiet since announcing work on its “most ambitious game yet”, and Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb reports that the new title could finally release this year (though he clubbed it in with Sony’s “smaller first-party titles”). The Snitch would seemingly corroborate its appearance at the next PlayStation Showcase, whenever it may be, so it could very well be Astro’s big break, especially with Sony not releasing any new titles for its bigger first-party franchises until April 2025 onwards.

God of War Ragnarok PC Announcement

Another seemingly inevitable announcement is God of War Ragnarok coming to PC. The rumor comes from none other than Dealabs’ billbil-kun, who has an impeccable record with leaks. They outright said an announcement is coming this month, adding more fire to rumors of a PlayStation Showcase this month. Regardless, given Sony’s habit of launching first-party titles on PC a few years after their PlayStation debuts, it would be surprising to see it out in 2024. Fingers crossed and whatnot.

Gears 6 Announcement

Speaking of “right timing,” Microsoft announcing the next Gears of War at its Xbox Games Showcase would be ideal in many ways. Fortunately, Grubb reported something happening this Summer with Gears 6. The Verge’s Tom Warren agreed and then outright said in a later report that there would be an announcement at the show. If that’s not enough, the voice of JD Fenix, actor Liam McIntyre, said on Twitter that Microsoft and The Coalition will “tell us all in June” regarding certain story spoilers.

Perfect Dark Gameplay Reveal

The Xbox Games Showcase could also mark an appearance for Perfect Dark. Announced in 2020 with nary a bit of gameplay or details since and plenty of concerning rumors and reports, insider Nate the Hate “fully expects” it to appear at the showcase (with Grubb also hearing that it could show up). That would fit with Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty being “cautiously confident” in June 2023 about a gameplay deep dive arriving by late 2024.

State of Decay 3 Gameplay Reveal

The other title potentially getting a deep dive is State of Decay 3, Undead Labs’ next chapter in the survival sandbox zombie series. Also announced in 2020 with little to no updates in terms of gameplay since, its developer saw allegations of negligence in 2022, which reportedly affected development. Nevertheless, Jez Corden of Windows Central remarked recently that it’s coming along quite well, so perhaps we’ll finally see an update at the Xbox showcase.

Game Pass Price Hike Announcement

Another more unfortunate rumor doing the rounds is that of Game Pass getting a price hike. The Verge’s Tom Warren reported on it. Xbox president Sarah Bond would then confirm Activision’s titles coming to the service on day one. Even more rumors surfaced afterwards, with insider NateDrake claiming that new tiers are coming. There will also allegedly be changes in “the form of pricing and a tier change.” Regardless of those plans, a Game Pass price increase seems inevitable, especially given how subscriber counts haven’t been soaring lately.

Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date Announcement

The best part about so many upcoming events is that Hollow Knight: Silksong could appear at almost anyone. That ups the chances of a potential new trailer and maybe a release date announcement. Does that mean multiple chances to be disappointed as well? Sure, but with the title rated in South Korea, Australia and the US, it would be weird to get nothing in return. Either way, it’s been over five years since the announcement trailer, Team Cherry. Just…please, anything.

Borderlands 4 Reveal

2K Games confirmed that Borderlands 4 was in active development after Gearbox’s acquisition by Take-Two but rumors were already claiming that it saw a shake-up in leadership. The publishing label confirmed a reveal for the “next iteration” in one of its “biggest and most beloved franchises” at Summer Game Fest. Potential Borderlands 4 announcement and gameplay? It would be the safe bet, for sure.

Mafia 4 Announcement

However, there’s also a chance it could be Hanger 13’s long-rumored Mafia 4. Leaker Kurakasis claimed last month that Take-Two had begun “preparations for an announcement regarding the Mafia series.” Allegedly developed on Unreal Engine 5 and serving as a prequel to the series with Don Salieri as the protagonist, it could be the big reveal for Summer Game Fest.

Sonic X Shadow Generations Announcement

Sega is confirmed as a partner for Summer Game Fest, and while there’s plenty it could discuss, news on Sonic X Shadow Generations seems likely. The remaster, features a new campaign starring Shadow the Hedgehog. A new trailer and release date seems likely.

Sonic Heroes Remake Announcement

While Sonic X Shadow Generations may be the main attraction, Sega could announce another remake in the series. According to Nintendo Universe, it’s Sonic Heroes, allegedly developed on Unreal Engine 5 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Whether Summer Game Fest is the place or not, it would garner the most attention.

Metro 4 Reveal

While a prequel to Metro 2033 sounds great, some fans were doubtless disappointed that Metro Awakening is a VR-exclusive title. Perhaps to quell some of that, publisher Deep Silver confirmed that “development continues separately at 4A Games on the next mainline installment of the Metro series.” Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reported last year in February that it was “well into development” and “fully playable.” Even if Deep Silver reveals the release date for Awakening at Summer Game Fest (where it’s a partner), it wouldn’t be odd to see Metro 4 get a short teaser.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gameplay Reveal

The developer has confirmed updates on its major releases for this year, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws. With pre-orders and various details for the former out in the wild, it seems a given that there will be a gameplay showcase. If coincidence isn’t enough, Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson outright reported this would be the case, with hands-on impressions going live on June 12th.

Valve’s Deadlock

Between all the leaked screenshots, gameplay and details, it feels like Valve is gearing up to announce Deadlock. The alleged 6v6 hero shooter is in the alpha stage and features 19 characters, with the usual MOBA roles of tanks, healers and damage dealers. While no release windows have circulated, there’s every possibility that Valve drops the announcement out of nowhere and opens up registrations for a closed alpha.

Monster Hunter Wilds – New Gameplay and Release Window

When discussing predictions, Monster Hunter Wilds getting some gameplay and a possible release window is probably the safest bet. The developer already confirmed new details this Summer, and as a partner at Summer Game Fest, it only makes sense to at least provide a trailer. It could then tout more information at the next Showcase or a Monster Hunter Wilds Digital Event later in June. It makes too much sense not to happen.

Kingdom Hearts 4 New Trailer

As odd as it seems, Kingdom Hearts 4 could appear in the upcoming Summer showcases, though which one is the question. Leaker Daniel Richtman recently revealed that it would launch sometime next year. If that’s the case, an upcoming reveal doesn’t sound too far fetched, especially with the Kingdom Hearts series recently becoming available on Steam.

Wonder Woman Update

Among the many publishers confirmed for the Summer Game Fest is WB Games. We haven’t heard anything about Monolith Productions’ Wonder Woman since December 2021 – outside of the publisher denying it’s a live-service title and a job listing for WB Games Montreal revealing that it’s supporting development. Perhaps this year’s showcase could finally be the time, especially if Warner Bros. Discovery wants a big release for the fiscal year.

Starfield: Shattered Space Reveal and Release Date

Starfield’s first paid expansion, Shattered Space, was already confirmed to launch this year and receive new details. However, The Verge’s Tom Warren reported that it would not only appear at the Xbox Games Showcase but receive a release date (allegedly for September). Redditors also spotted references in its May update video to House Var’uun, a faction that didn’t appear in the base game but whom one of your companions follows. Whatever its nature, expect it to appear all the same.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Release Date

Likewise, there’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft’s next big first-party title coming this year. MachineGames’ action-adventure is reportedly launching in December, per The Verge, so some new gameplay and an announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase seems a given.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Trailer

This one’s a bit of a wildcard, not only because Skydance New Media showcased in-game scenes during the State of Unreal at GDC in March, but also because it has a 2025 release window. The developer isn’t listed for Summer Game Fest, though the next round of partners could contain its name. If so, perhaps there will be gameplay and the announcement of platforms.

New Xbox Hardware Announcement

Other first-party games allegedly coming to PS5, potential Game Pass price hikes – Microsoft has a lot on its plate, rumors-wise. However, one confirmed bit is that it will unveil “some exciting stuff coming out in hardware.” It’s unlikely to be the next Xbox, which Microsoft touts as delivering “the largest technical leap” in a generation, but maybe it’s the rumored mid-gen refresh leaked in documents during its FTC trial. Perhaps it’s the new all-digital white Xbox Series X, whose images have been circulating. Whatever it may be, an announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase would make sense.

Crimson Desert New Trailer and Release Window

Remember Crimson Desert, Black Desert developer Pearl Abyss’s ambitious single-player action RPG? It seems that development is complete, and marketing reportedly will kick off in the coming months, per leaker Lunatic Ignus. Targeting a Q1 2025 release, there’s every chance it could appear at Summer Game Fest, especially since its first trailer was at The Game Awards 2020.

Resident Evil 9 Announcement

Pragmata may be in limbo, but it could be gearing up to reveal the next mainline Resident Evil. Reportedly launching in January 2025 per leaker Dusk Golem, it allegedly has the series’ largest development time frame and budget. None of that will stop it from being a monster success, and though it could be unveiled at Summer Game Fest, it wouldn’t be remiss to see it appear during Sony’s rumored PlayStation Showcase.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Gameplay and Release Date

BioWare and Electronic Arts confirmed a full reveal for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in Summer 2024, and based on reports by Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb, a new trailer could drop around Summer Game Fest. Even more interestingly, it’s seemingly launching this year. The publisher revealed recently that it has two “unannounced” titles releasing this fiscal year, with Grubb noting that Dreadwolf is one of them. Whether it arrives this year remains to be seen. For now, we just want to see some extended gameplay.

Splinter Cell Remake Update

Announced in 2021, Splinter Cell remake could be due for…something at Forward. There’s not much to go on, save for the developer changing its Facebook page header and profile picture to Sam Fisher’s signature NV goggles, but you never know. As for the nature of the reveal, your guess is as good as ours.

New Ghost Recon Reveal

Then there’s the next Ghost Recon, rumored way back in 2022 and allegedly launching in 2025 or 2026. Codenamed Project Over, it’s reportedly a first-person shooter, per Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson. If the Splinter Cell remake could get an update at Forward, the next Ghost Recon seems just as possible.

When Ghost of Tsushima launched, it sold over 2.4 million copies in the first three days, eventually crossing five million sold in the first month. It became the fastest-selling first-party IP debut for the PlayStation 4 and sold a whopping 9.7 million units as of July 2022. Not content with being one of the best open-world games ever made (which still holds to this day), Sucker Punch also launched a superb co-op multiplayer mode in the same year – Ghost of Tsushima: Legends. It received extensive support, eventually spinning off into a standalone title.

Given its critical and commercial success and how well-regarded it remains, you have to ask at this point: Where is Ghost of Tsushima 2? No, really, where is it?

When you think back to PlayStation’s other big hits – like Marvel’s Spider-Man and God of War – both titles would receive sequels nearly five years later. Game development differs from studio to studio, but announcements for follow-ups to both titles arrived about three to four years later. Ghost of Tsushima took roughly six years to develop, but we’ve known about Sucker Punch Productions hiring new developers since October 2020. A job listing for a Narrative Writer asked for an “excellent understanding of how to tell impactful, character-driven stories within a AAA open-world game.”

It was followed by another job listing for a Combat Designer in January 2021, with the requirement stating, “Must have played Ghost of Tsushima and understand its core combat systems” You could say that both were for Ghost of Tsushima Legends or even the Iki Island expansion that arrived in August 2021 alongside the Director’s Cut. It’s a stretch, but we’ll go with it for now.

There’s still the odd reality that PlayStation Studios has announced no follow-up, much less hinted at one, for a multi-million-selling first-party title. However, it feels all the more strange for Ghost of Tsushima because it’s a new IP with tons of untapped potential.

It’s easy to forget how good the game is, especially after all these years. The tale of Jin Sakai, a samurai fighting to protect the island of Tsushima from a Mongol invasion, resonates strongly. Bested by a superior force that isn’t afraid to use dishonorable tactics, Jin drifts away from his samurai code, employing more stealth and assassination techniques to take down targets. It’s an internal conflict that bites at him, alongside the loss of his father during his childhood.

Of course, Jin is only one part of the narrative. There are several supporting characters, each with narrative quest chains adding much more flavor to the world and setting. Yuna, a thief who saved Jin’s life and seeks to leave Tsushima; Masako, the sole survivor of the Adachi clan on a quest for vengeance; Sadanobu Ishikawa, a famous archer who is not as honorable as he seems – the list goes on, and it’s a ride from start to finish.

Even if you ignore the incredible story and characters, Ghost of Tsushima is just a well-made, well-rounded open-world experience. The island of Tsushima offered several massive regions to explore, and while it featured a few cliches like enemy-occupied locations to liberate, the overall exploration is more organic. You could follow foxes and birds to discover points of interest. Liberating settlements would open up new side quests with their own unique stories. Rumors may also crop up during your journey, allowing you to pursue new armor sets and techniques.

Bamboo Strikes are a clever “Simon Says” style mini-game for increasing your max Resolve. Torii Gates led to unique platforming challenges for unlocking charms to specialize your build. You could even idle at a location and compose haikus, inscribing them on headbands that Jin can wear. There are even hot springs to increase your maximum health that also serve as a point of introspection for Jin’s past and present.

Every action throughout contributes to growing your legend, turning Jin from a renowned samurai lord to a fearsome entity that seemingly defies the confines of the real world. It all sounds so simple, yet the way it’s woven together is incredible.

On top of all this is the combat. There was some concern, especially after its E3 2018 showing. However, the use of Stances – with each being advantageous against different enemy types – and the seamless integration of Ghost Tools made for an addictive experience. Plus, you could call out enemies and face them head-on rather than sneaking around – the ultimate display of power. The duels are perhaps the biggest highlight, testing your fortitude and skills in dodging and parrying (or how quickly you can end the fight with your strongest Resolve techniques).

Sales aside, Ghost of Tsushima also had a good critical response with an 83 Metascore for the PS4 version and an 87 Metascore for the Director’s Cut on PS5. If nothing else, it’s also been a positive for other samurai-related titles. Like a Dragon: Ishin! developer affirmed that the game’s success gave the RGG Studio the confidence to bring its title to the United States after only being available in Japan for PS3 and PS4.

Sony hasn’t given any indication that a sequel is in the works. It’s focused on the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima live-action film, which isn’t a bad thing (especially since it’s directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame). With the publisher stating that it wouldn’t release any major games in existing PlayStation franchises before April 2025, there’s seemingly little hope in a sequel coming any time soon.

However, this is where the rumors come in. The same person who alleged that Ghost of Tsushima is coming to PC also claimed that the sequel would be announced at an upcoming PlayStation Showcase in May or June. It may have seemed farfetched, to begin with, but with the PC version confirmed, this rumor is looking all the more credible.

After all, what better way to drum up hype for a sequel than to introduce it to a whole new player base, never mind reminding fans why it’s so good in the first place? If announced this year, it’s all the more plausible that it could arrive in late Summer or early Fall of 2025.

Whatever the case, Sony must be well aware of how much of a breakout hit the first game is. With its live-service approach slowly being pared down, it probably knows the importance of single-player narrative titles more than ever. As the PS5 enters the latter half of its life cycle and rumors of a PS5 Pro run rampant, many titles will serve to showcase the console’s power. Here’s hoping that Ghost of Tsushima 2 is one of them.

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.

Speaking recently during his Game Mess Decides podcast, journalist Jeff Grubb said that Ghost of Tsushima 2 and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will not be present at the upcoming PlayStation Showcase. Given that it’s been close to three years since the original Ghost of Tsushima launched and nearly five years since Dragon Age: Dreadwolf was first announced, many may have been hoping for news about their sequels, but it seems neither Sucker Punch nor BioWare is ready to show off what’s next yet.

Grubb also added that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is, at this point, is not coming out until Summer of 2024 “at the earliest”. Recently, EA confirmed that the game wouldn’t be out this fiscal year, which runs until March 31 next year. Ghost of Tsushima 2, on the other hand, hasn’t yet been officially announced, but job ads have indicated that it’s in the works.

As for what could show up at the PlayStation Showcase, that, of course, remains to be seen, but with the likes of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Naughty Dog’s standalone The Last of Us multiplayer game very likely to be shown off, and with leaks strongly suggesting that a Metal Gear Solid 3 remake will be announced, it does seem like there will be plenty for people to dig their teeth into.

Sucker Punch has job ads up for several positions, which isn’t out of the ordinary for any studio by any means, but one particular listing is worth looking a little deeper into. A job ad for the position of Encounter Designer states that the developer is working on “an open world game, with a particular focus on melee combat and stealth.” If that doesn’t sound like a follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, I don’t know what would.

We did get new Ghost of Tsushima content last year with the Iki Island expansion that came as part of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PS5, but it’s likely that Sucker Punch will have put a certain section of its workforce to work on a full-fledged sequel not long after the original game’s PS4 launch in 2020. How long we have to wait until they’re ready to reveal that sequel remains to be seen.

So let’s take a look at 15 big games rumored to be in development. Remember to take all of these with a grain of salt, even if they’re from respectable sources, sit back and have fun.

Silent Hill Reboots

The Silent Hill reboot saga has only gotten stranger in the past year or so. Originally, rumors claimed that Konami was working with SIE Japan Studio on a reboot that would be exclusive to the PS5. With the lack of announcements or updates, however, it felt like a pipe dream. This past February, developer Bloober Team spoke about how they’d been developing a horror game for more than a year “with a very famous gaming publisher.” VideoGamesChronicle reported that Konami had been shopping the franchise around over the years and that a prominent Japanese developer is currently working on a reboot. This doesn’t mean Bloober Team isn’t working on its own Silent Hill but having two reboots isn’t entirely out of the question. As for the first title, a reveal is apparently coming this Summer so there’s that to look forward to.

But what could a sequel look like? To answer that question, we first need to discuss the current game’s ending. Major spoilers abound so if you haven’t finished the story yet, back out now. You have been warned.

After freeing his uncle, Lord Shimura, the various dishonorable tactics employed by Jin start catching up with him. During the assault on the Mongols at Castle Shimura, the samurai army suffers great losses. To minimize this, Jin decides to poison the invaders and while this works, Khotun Khan escapes to Port Izumi in the North. Jin is implicated for the use of poison and upon refusing to have Yuna act as a scapegoat, he’s arrested and seemingly set to be executed by order of the Shogun. Fortunately, he escapes and pursues Khan to his flagship for one last battle.

The samurai beat back the Mongol invasion but unfortunately, the Shogun’s order to execute Jin still stands. Lord Shimura thus battles Jin to the death and if the latter wins, he can either choose to spare his uncle or kill him. Whichever choice the player goes with, the Ghost is essentially a fugitive and seen as a danger for Tsushima.

A couple of things to note: The game is based on the real-life first invasion of Tsushima by the Mongols. Rather than one man igniting a resistance against the invaders, a storm resulted in the loss of 200 ships in the Yuan fleet with 13,500 soldiers dying. It served as a major turning point in the conflict, especially since the Japanese were prepared to make their last stand in Hakata. Also, it was Kublai Khan that planned the attack on Tsushima and, following the first invasion’s failure, was preparing for a second invasion to take place. The shogunate took to strengthening defenses in Hakata in the meantime. Khan would send emissaries to Japan in 1275 and 1279 – they were beheaded in both instances as a response to the Mongols.

Thus in 1281, the Mongol general Arakhan led a fleet of 4400 ships with 142,000 soldiers to attack Tsushima again (with Fan Wenhu leading the Southern Route fleet). This time, the Japanese were ready with thousands facing off against the Mongols. Locations like Nagato and Hakata became the sight of major battles while the Mongols occupied Shiga and Noko. Following a stalemate between the two armies at Hakata, a typhoon would drive back the invaders. It was nicknamed “kamikaze” and any surviving forces were either executed or turned into slaves.

There are two possibilities for how Ghost of Tsushima 2 could play out. Keep in mind that because Jin was born and brought up in Tsushima, he could still very well be considered it’s “Ghost”, even if the sequel changes locations.

First, it’s possible that Jin plays a role in driving back the Mongols from Nagato. He would then venture to Shiga and Noko to conduct campaigns against the Mongols, which could intersect with the Japanese raids against them. The final battle in Hakata is all the more interesting – remember the marketing for the current game which talked about a “storm” that was coming? It was a storm that routed the Mongols in 1274 and another storm (of sorts) that resulted in their defeat at Hakata in 1281. Coincidence?

Essentially, Jin is that storm and could take on the title of “kamikaze” upon helping to win the battle at Hakata. With a major antagonist in the form of supreme commander Arakhan, there’s someone that Jin could go up against and whose death would result in the fleet being weakened.

We wouldn’t be surprised if the sequel starts with Shogun having spread a false narrative about a storm causing the Mongols to be defeated in Tsushima to play down the Ghost’s heroics. Heck, it could even feed into the Shogun’s disdain for Jin that he proclaims the “kamikaze” that defeated the second Mongol invasion to have been nothing more than a typhoon.

The second possibility – and this is a long shot – is a new protagonist being introduced. Kawano Michiari, a warrior whose uncle is slain during the raid against the Mongols in the second invasion and who, despite being injured, takes down a large warrior. Though Michiari is seen as a hero in history, it wouldn’t be all that difficult for the game to slightly rewrite events. Perhaps having Michiari being saved by a certain Ghost, questioning the tactics being used while also resisting the temptation to do the same in order to fight back against the Mongols.

Heck, you could have the story’s first Act being from Michiari’s perspective, the second Act from Jin’s perspective and the third alternating between the two. This would help introduce new abilities, tactics and different set pieces (like raids). You could even have the ultimate battle between Michiari and Jin where the player must choose who they side with – the earnest samurai who’s trying to serve the Shogun’s wishes or the Ghost who saved Tsushima and helped fight off the invaders a second time.

This approach also facilitates flashbacks pretty well. We could learn more about Michiari’s past and upbringing much like we did Jin’s in the first game. Meanwhile, Jin’s flashbacks could help shed light on what he’s been up to in the eight years since the last invasion. Maybe he’s gotten more bitter in that time due to being hunted by the Shogun’s forces. It would serve as an interesting new internal conflict as Jin remains loyal to his country and samurai heritage while effectively feeling betrayed by those he helped save.

Ghost of Tsushima’s story extensively rewrites real-world events, to the point where even if you could spot similarities, they’re different enough to feel “inspired”. It wouldn’t be all that strange for the second major conflict between the Japanese and Mongol forces to serve as “inspiration” for Jin to embark on another campaign of stealth and combat across several new islands. However, something tells us that Sucker Punch won’t just go with the typical sequel approach.

After all, this is a developer that’s known for experimenting with different playable characters and perspectives, whether it’s the Sly Cooper series or inFamous Second Son. It feels like an opportunity that’s too good to pass up, especially given the heroes and figures that emerge in the second Mongol invasion of Tsushima.

Regardless of the direction it takes, Ghost of Tsushima 2 is definitely a long ways off so there’s plenty of time to speculate on where it could go next. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to any potential upgrades the current game will receive. Having an excellent open world action title with stellar production values and story-telling, that too months before the mad rush of the Fall/Holiday release window, is pretty nice.