Think about it. Crash Bandicoot’s PS1 debut made the character an almost permanent fixture in modern gaming. The Jak franchise was a solid platformer that made great use of the PS2’s beefier configuration to make a compelling cast of characters and their adventures very popular. Things got even better during the PS3 era, with the studio managing to develop The Last of Us even as it brought three, yes, three Uncharted games. That momentum carried forward with the PS4, and it resulted in the studio giving us Uncharted 4, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, a sequel to The Last of Us, and a remaster of Joel and Ellie’s first adventure.

That’s quite the track record, but it’s also the main reason for our concern with what the studio has brought to the PS5. The Last of Us Part 1 was a great remake, and the remaster of the second game was also quite welcome. They were great final products, bringing the studio’s usual polish to the table, but they were still not new experiences, something that we had come to expect from the studio. So, just two games and that too a remaster and a remake, and that too at a time when the PS5 is likely on its last legs. Consider that against the PS5 bringing the scope for what could have been a great current-gen experience from Naughty Dog, and you begin to see why we’re in disbelief that we’ve not had anything new from it, yet. Yes, we know Intergalactic is in development, but hear us out first.

Sustained Progress

We’ve got a few reasons for that, and the first one is that this was once a studio that didn’t shy away from new ideas. Its identity in the preceding generations wasn’t just tied to the excellent games it was churning out, but in the way that those games often pivoted into areas that it hadn’t visited before. Crash Bandicoot and Jax were wildly different, yet equally potent experiences. The same goes for Uncharted and The Last of Us.

There’s also the fact that each of the franchises we’ve mentioned had multiple titles coming out, each of which tried new ideas set within the respective frameworks of the stories and gameplay loops that they set up. There were multiple Crash titles and a very entertaining racing one in Crash Team Racing. The Jak trilogy and Jak X had us quite entertained on the PS2. The Uncharted trilogy and The Last of Us are obvious ones that made the PS3 a very desirable console in the process, and the PS4 also had multiple titles from both franchises.

Naughty Dog felt like it was among the most relentless studios under Sony’s first-party umbrella, and one that was capable of banger after banger despite bold new gameplay ideas taking the stage in each one. That’s no easy feat, and the studio deserves credit for what it has achieved over those years. But that sense of forward momentum has been oddly absent for the PS5. Yes, everything that it has brought to the current-gen powerhouse has its usual polish, great technical upgrades, and the preservation of what made each franchise great in its own right. But it hasn’t felt like the studio was carrying Sony into the future this time around, and that’s a problem.

Yes, Intergalactic has been in the works for a while, with the studio saying that it’s been in development as early as 2020 before it was announced in 2024. Yes, there’s a strong chance that the studio’s claim that it’s going to be its most ambitious PlayStation title yet turns out to be true. But we’re yet to see any gameplay or receive any clarity regarding its release over the years, and with the next generation of gaming hardware now looming larger on the horizon with every passing day, it’s kind of hard not to feel like the PS5 era has cut into the studio’s penchant for quicker production and originality, instead positioning it as one focused on remakes and remasters in the public eye, at least for the last few years.

Intergalactic might prove all of this wrong, but it’s still a long way away from the looks of it. But until it does that, the studio is now defined not by what it’s creating, but on what it’s re-releasing.Of course, The Last of Us Online was in development before its cancellation. a decision that, in hindsight, we’d still call the right one, even if it slightly complicates the point we’re making here. The justification that it would require the diversion of valuable resources to post-launch support for years was valid, and we’d say it was a great way of thinking long-term.

But in the short-term, that choice has come with consequences. It has resulted in silence on the single-player front, the very thing that the studio was trying to save by avoiding a live-service commitment. It’s left a very noticeable gap in the PS5 generation, denying fans of an online game that might have been quite compelling, while simultaneously leaving them hanging on the promise of a big single-player title that’s yet to come.

The Challenges Of A New Generation of Games

You might argue that making great games takes time, and you’d be right. Modern AAA games are more expensive and time consuming, and games from a name like Naughty Dog are going to face even more scrutiny thanks to the studio’s own reputation for great visuals and technically sound releases. The audiences they’re made for are getting increasingly discerning, and quite vocal in calling out a perceived lack of quality, which makes the process of developing games that click right off the bat a challenge. There’s no denying that reality.

But this is Naughty Dog we’re talking about, and it continues to be an important part of Sony’s line-up of studios. It’s also experienced enough to tackle these issues head-on, and still come out on top. It isn’t a small inexperienced team, and we believe it’s justified to expect more from one of modern gaming’s biggest game studios It isn’t wrong for the studio to take the time it needs to craft something truly special, but the timing of it all does mess with the expectation of a generation defining title for what it currently the most iconic console in Sony’s line-up.

Which leads us to the question of what has changed in the years since the PS4 and PS5’s respective releases? The pivot into other media immediately comes to mind, as The Last of Us has now grown beyond its beginnings as a great video game into a prestigious TV property alongside its cycle of remakes and remasters, merchandising, and a PC release strategy, all of which require time and effort from the studio. All of that’s fine. We love Joel and Ellie’s gameplay mechanics, and the grim and gritty world that it takes place in. It’s a great choice for a serialized story or a riveting gameplay loop, depending on how you would like to consume it.

But has it become a sort of trap for Naughty Dog? Has the studio become too focused on a single IP, taking on the role of its guardian to the exclusion of all else? Has The Last of Us dominated the studio’s attention and distorted its output? Perhaps not, but it is a significant detail that must be considered against the backdrop of everything else we’ve talked about. But all hope isn’t lost, not while Intergalactic remains in its pipeline.

However, that’s a game that now has to bear the weight of an entire generation all on its own, as opposed to multiple releases in previous ones. It isn’t just the next big title from the studio, but a vehicle for the studio’s reputation. It’s a game that has to prove that Naughty Dog still has what it takes to make great new worlds, and that it isn’t in a creative rut that’s preventing it from looking past The Last of Us. The long silence from the studio must be justified, and Intergalactic isn’t going to be judged merely as a new IP from a major studio in modern gaming, but as a game that must allay years of frustrating silence and unmet expectations.

Why is that the case, though? Well, it’s a paradox of Naughty Dog’s own making. It raised the bar so consistently over the years that it now competes against itself, and now finds that everyone expects extraordinary things from it. We’d say a couple of great remakes and remasters from any other studio wouldn’t warrant any additional scrutiny unless the studio in question has consistently one-upped itself from release to release. It has trained us all to expect more from it, and not just see what it’s already managed to achieve just repackaged, no matter how attractive those options may be.

Looking To The Future

There’s still time, though, and the studio might even learn of our concerns and smile as it delivers an experience that makes the wait for Intergalactic worth it. But until then, the PS5 generation feels like Naughty Dog has lost a bit of focus, and has let the past few years be the strangest and perhaps the weakest period in its history. It certainly hasn’t lost its talent, but it definitely needs to work on its rhythm.

It’s played things too safe this time around, relying on its past instead of clearly looking into the future as it always has. But we hold out hope for Intergalactic flipping the script, and feeding us a slice of humble pie we’d gladly chomp into when it finally comes along. Let’s hope, for Naughty Dog’s sake, that it happens sooner rather than later.

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.

But first and foremost, PlayStation is taking the spotlight with a 60+ minute State of Play on June 2nd. After its incredible showing last February, can it deliver an even bigger show? Maybe, but what can we expect? Here are 15 potential announcements and reveals, starting with…

Control Resonant’s Release Date

Alright, Remedy. We get it. You have a bigger, more ambitious sequel to the excellent Control, complete with deeper combat mechanics, more exciting enemies, tougher boss battles, and art direction that’s completely unlike anything else out there. Since the gameplay reveal happened at the last State of Play, it seems all but a given that a release date should be announced at the next. The wait has been killing us, so it’s now or never.

The Faye Situation

Multiple noted insiders, from NateTheHate to Jason Schreier, reported on its existence, and even a Santa Monica Studio writer indicated that they were working on a “new franchise” in the same universe on their LinkedIn. At this point, how can the spin-off not be revealed? Based on what we know, Faye will take center stage, accompanied by Merlin, a talking sword (so there’s the Arthurian legend covered), and even running into Tyr. It was rumored to be revealed in May or June, and lo and behold, here we are. That means that a potential launch in the first half of 2027 may also happen. Fingers crossed

Kena: Scars of Kosmora Release Date

Another sequel to file into the “bigger and more ambitious” category, Scars of Kosmora marks the return of the intrepid spirit guide, except she’s tougher and possesses more combat prowess. Based on what we’ve seen thus far, some new gameplay, a peek at Kena’s abilities and maybe some more gorgeous sights from Kosmora feel appropriate to showcase. And what better way to top it off than with a release date? As with Control Resonant, the clock is ticking, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Ember Lab wants to fill that “nowhere near GTA 6” slot as well.

Silent Hill: Townfall Release Window

Konami had quite the presence at February’s State of Play. You could call it a one-off to fill some time, but the fact that Silent Hill: Townfall is launching this year, exclusively on PS5 and PC, is set in stone. For now. I’m predicting something different at State of Play – a release window, with a more definitive release date sometime later (maybe at Gamescom Opening Night Live). It all comes down to development progress, which we’re completely in the dark on. Maybe Konami gives this smaller team (backed by Annapurna but still) some more time and delays it, or it goes ahead, marking a third straight year of Silent Hill. Either way, a simple “Autumn” couldn’t hurt, right?

Marvel’s Wolverine Reveals More Characters

You already know that Insomniac is going to show more from Marvel’s Wolverine, and maybe even open up pre-orders afterwards. But besides diving into the nitty-gritty and goriness of combat, who’s to say that some unannounced characters can’t show up? Perhaps, say, other members of the X-Men with a close connection to Logan? If nothing else, it would make for a hype moment (and maybe even more encouragement to pre-order).

Intergalactic Resurfaces

Last December, Naughty Dog was allegedly targeting mid-2027 for the launch of Intergalactic. Things may very well have changed since, so will Sony take a chance and reveal more now, maybe even committing to a vague release window for next year? Or will its current offerings be enough, and instead, it saves the announcement for a later occasion, giving the team more time to figure out where it’s at? Whatever the case, the fact that there’s only one PlayStation Studios console exclusive left for this calendar year means it needs to get the hype rolling for 2027. With NateTheHate claiming other exclusives at State of Play besides Marvel’s Wolverine and Faye’s game, Intergalactic is looking likely.

More MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Reveals

As the days count down to its August launch, and Arc System Works is less coy about revealing more characters, you can’t tell me it won’t repeat that pattern at State of Play. After all, players have already gone hands-on with the latest build featuring the Fighting Avengers. Maybe this next reveal will accompany an open beta announcement for July to incorporate any remaining feedback. And if ever there was a time for some villains to take center stage, this would be it.

Uncharted Returns

Shaun Escayg, creative director on whatever unknown project Naughty Dog is working on, I’ve come to bargain. That “research photo” in a location that feels more than vaguely fitting for the Uncharted franchise can’t be a fluke, and neither can all those rumors over the years about…something, be it remaster or sequel. Is it finally time to make the big announcement? Will there be a better time later (don’t say The Game Awards)? It’s a strong “maybe” either way.

Break In/Fairgame$

No more content updates for Destiny 2, Marathon not exactly setting the market on fire (even though Season 2 looks good)…who’s to say that Sony won’t just rip the band-aid off and re-reveal Fairgame$? Based on a recent trademark called Break In, it could be renamed, assuming that isn’t just a marketing tagline, and we may see a different (but still vaguely similar) heisting experience. Regardless, you probably shouldn’t expect a shadow drop, seeing as rumored playtests haven’t been going great.

Until Dawn 2 Announcement

Another PlayStation title that’s been a long time coming, but, you know, in a more positive way. Rumored since 2022, after a job description about a “triple-A narrative-driven horror-adventure game” following Sony’s acquisition of Firesprite. Rumored again in 2024 by Xbox Era. And then what should appear at the end of the Until Dawn remake but two new scenes, potentially hinting at something in the future? If it’s indeed happening – and not canned because of that awful movie – then it’s high time for an announcement.

Marvel’s Venom Announcement

While Insomniac Games tinkers away on Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 – rumor or not, you know it’s eventually happening – we may get Marvel’s Venom before. Jason Schreier refuted reports that the project was canned following voice actor Tony Todd’s passing, but its current development state remains unknown. Maybe Insomniac is saving it for a rainy day next Fall, when Sony needs a big exclusive. Hey, if it works for Nintendo and their first-party titles, why not for PlayStation? In that sense, if a reveal happens, a release window remains a toss-up.

Media Molecule’s Next Game

It’s been three years now since Media Molecule wrapped up support on Dreams and confirmed a new project was in the works. More recently, a designer’s portfolio indicated that it features “open-world content.” Correlation doesn’t necessarily imply causation, though – neither of these two things means a State of Play reveal. But maybe the studio will confirm that it’s progressing smoothly, as a treat.

Resident Evil Requiem Story Expansion Reveal

A big announcement like the long-rumored Resident Evil – Code: Veronica Remake at Summer Game Fest, much like Resident Evil Requiem last year, sounds plausible enough. But the company could still unveil something Resident Evil-related before that. A trailer for the story expansion, perhaps confirming that Leon is the star, coupled with a tease of the allegedly included Ada Wong? It’s not impossible, especially with all the updates since Requiem’s launch, but gameplay and a release date may be a bit much.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Update

Speaking of which, it’s now over four years since the next mainline Kingdom Hearts was announced. At this point, we’re beginning to feel as stuck as Sora, desperately seeking something, anything new. With creative director Tetsuya Nomura claiming that the team is “working hard” towards the series’ 25th anniversary, which is next year, any news in 2026 may seem unlikely. But this is Kingdom Hearts and Nomura, so keep an open mind and expect the unexpected.

Untitled John Wick Game

After the surprise announcement of Saber Interactive’s untitled prequel to the blockbuster film series at the last State of Play…well, we want to see more. And since Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake, which Saber took over since splitting from Embracer, is looking unlikely, I’m thinking that maybe John Wick is back again. Here’s hoping he brings an official title for the game this time around.

“They’ll set internal deadlines, and treat them like actual, external deadlines,” he said on the podcast. “It’s at that point you realize you’ve wandered too much, and it could be Sony tapping them on the shoulder, being like, ‘Hey guys, it’s been three years, not seeing much from you, we’ve spent I don’t know how much money already, what’s going on?”

Russell explained that the studio seemingly learned from its time developing The Last of Us that crunch is what it would take to make the games. “It was just an admission in a [meeting after The Last of Us], ‘Well, we’ve just come to realize this is what it takes to make games at our level,” he said.

“‘If you don’t want to do that, we understand, we’ll write you a great letter of recommendation.’ The company runs the way it wants to run; you either want to be a part of it or you don’t. They’re not technically breaking any laws. It’s not like a requirement. It is a, ‘hey, we really could use your help. Please come here.’ And you’re incentivized to do it because your bonuses will be bigger.”

A report from back in 2020 was one of the bigger ones to bring the company’s culture of crunch into the light. In a report, Jason Schreier—writing for Kotaku at the time—conducted interviews with multiple current and former employees from Naughty Dog on the condition of anonymity, and made note of unhealthy working hours and overtime work still being prevalent.

“This can’t be something that’s continuing over and over for each game, because it is unsustainable,” said one developer working on The Last of Us Part 2. “At a certain point, you realize, ‘I can’t keep doing this. I’m getting older. I can’t stay and work all night.’”

“They do try to take care of you, providing food, encouragement to go take breaks,” said another former Naughty Dog developer. “But for the most part, the implication is: ‘Get the job done at all costs.’”

It is worth noting that reports of Naughty Dog’s employees being forced to crunch are by no means recent. The company also came under fire for this back in 2011, shortly after the release of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, with creative director Amy Hennig talking about how “it was the hardest thing in the industry [I’ve] ever done.” Similarly, cinematics animation lead Josh Scherr said that “it was pretty brutal this time around. I mean, there’s always crunch. There’s always people putting in extra hours. But this time around, just because of the scope and the ambition of the game – even after we had gone back and shortened some things, trimmed some other things – there was just still a lot to do, in the amount of time we had to do it.”

Intergalactic is being developed exclusively for PS5. While it doesn’t yet have a release date, reports indicate that Naughty Dog might be aiming for a mid-2027 launch.

Dandridge has worked with Naughty Dog on many projects after she first played the role of Marlene in the original 2013 release of The Last of Us. We saw her reprising the role in The Last of Us Part 2, as well as HBO’s live-action adaptation. Outside of Naughty Dog’s projects, Dandridge has also worked on other major games, including the role of Alyx Vance in Half-Life 2 and its two episodic sequels.

Reports have indicated that Naughty Dog is quite far along in development, with one indicating that the company might be aiming to release the game in mid-2027. However, another report from December alleged that the project demanded weeks of mandatory overtime thanks to “several missed deadlines”. This overtime was reportedly an effort by Naughty Dog to “get the production back on track”, with “some teams” also having put in “long hours” to complete the game’s debut trailer.

Actor Tony Dalton, known for roles like Lalo Salamanca in Better Call Saul and Jack Duquesne in MCU projects, has also been confirmed to be playing a role in Intergalactic. In an interview from January, he discussed working with Druckmann on HBO’s The Last of Us, and how the two became friends, leading to his role in Intergalactic. Describing the process itself, Dalton said that portraying a video game character was “like nothing I’ve ever done in my life.”

“It’s crazy. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done in my life. These guys are top of the line. You put on these skin-tight suits with dots all over the place–all over your face and everything. They have a whole set. Huge, huge set. It’s amazing,” Dalton said.

Voice actor Troy Baker has also previously spoken about working on Druckmann, and revealed that they often butt heads with each other because of how passionate both of them are.

“We did two weeks ago, man. Neil and I will always, it’s our vibe,” said Baker in November. “We just love to butt up against each other. We were doing a table read, and I was literally like, ‘Why are you giving me s*** right now? I’m asking you a question!’ And everybody else is like, ‘Our mom and dad are fighting, are we still going to Disneyland?’ We’re fine. We’re fine!”

Intergalactic is being developed for PS5. Druckmann has referred to the project as being the “most ambitious,” “most expansive,” and “most expensive” Naughty Dog game yet. “We’re making it, we’re playing it. We’re firing on all cylinders. I’ve said this before, but I really mean it, I’m really feeling it right now: It’s the most ambitious game we’ve ever made. It’s the most expansive game we’ve ever made, maybe the most expensive, by the time we finish it.”

In an interview with Culture Wave Media, Dalton discussed having worked with director Neil Druckmann on The Last of Us adaptation, where he played Joel’s father, and how the latter expressed interest in continuing to work with the actor. This resulted in Dalton’s role in Intergalactic, which also happens to be the first time he will be in a game.

Describing the process, Dalton said it was “like nothing I’ve ever done in my life,” pointing out all the advanced technology used to capture his likeness and mannerisms through motion capture suits.

“It’s crazy. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done in my life. These guys are top of the line. You put on these skin-tight suits with dots all over the place–all over your face and everything. They have a whole set. Huge, huge set. It’s amazing,” Dalton said.

While what character Dalton will be portraying in Intergalactic is currently unknown, in the interview, he noted that Druckmann’s pitch referred to his character as being “one of the leads”. On working with Druckmann, Dalton said that he is “the sweetest guy in the world. He’s great.”

Voice actor Troy Baker had also previously spoken about working with Druckmann, and how the two often butt heads with each other because of the passion they feel for the project.

“We did two weeks ago, man. Neil and I will always, it’s our vibe,” said Baker in November. “We just love to butt up against each other. We were doing a table read, and I was literally like, ‘Why are you giving me s*** right now? I’m asking you a question!’ And everybody else is like, ‘Our mom and dad are fighting, are we still going to Disneyland?’ We’re fine. We’re fine!”

Little has been revealed about Intergalactic since it was first unveiled all the way back in 2024. Druckmann has, however, described it as being the studio’s “most ambitious” project so far.

“We’re making it, we’re playing it. We’re firing on all cylinders. I’ve said this before, but I really mean it, I’m really feeling it right now: It’s the most ambitious game we’ve ever made. It’s the most expansive game we’ve ever made, maybe the most expensive, by the time we finish it.”

While the studio has been largely quiet, reports have indicated it may be falling behind schedule. One noted that the development team has been working eight more hours each week since October. This overtime work is because the project has “several missed deadlines”, and the team is trying to “get the production back on track”.

A more recent report has indicated that Naughty Dog might be aiming for a mid-2027 release for Intergalactic on PS5.

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.

“Target” is the keyword, though. Naughty Dog will reportedly outline its schedule for 2026 to staff after the holidays, and there are concerns about overtime worsening as development progresses. Given the studio’s history of crunch, the past several weeks, with employees logging an extra eight hours weekly, could be a sign of things to come.

The purported release window is interesting, however, given that Sony’s PS6 console (which includes a portable handheld) is also allegedly targeting 2027. If Intergalactic does launch in that time frame, it could be a repeat of 2020, where The Last of Us Part 2 arrived in June, months before the PS5’s launch.

This is apparently due to “several missed deadlines” and an effort to “get the production back on track.” It’s not the first time for Intergalactic either – “some teams” put in “long hours” to complete last year’s trailer.

For the past several weeks, however, the entire studio has been working overtime, putting in five days a week and apparently being asked to restrict total work time in that period to 60 hours. What about the team of producers created to deal with crunch? Many have reportedly left.

Mandated overtime recently ended for most staff this week and will return to three office days for the remainder of January. However, a “more detailed schedule” for next year is reportedly in the works, so plans could very well change.

Intergalactic is in development for PS5, and despite offering up several details, there’s been no indication of a release date. Schreier has previously reported that it won’t arrive next year, however.

“I’m hearing about people interacting with the game, and they’re also hiring for localization now. They’re getting into the end, and it’s a sign that everything is kinda locked down and content complete. I won’t be surprised if it’s out this time next year,” he said on a podcast with Dan Allen. Moriarty also believed that it would appear at The Game Awards 2025.

However, an appearance at the show and a potential release next year were simply speculation. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, who previously reported that Intergalactic would not launch in 2026, reiterated this on Reddit. And no, it’s seemingly not on cards for The Game Awards, according to Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb on Twitter.

Plans could always change, but given the lack of any new gameplay or details from Naughty Dog, we can probably rule it out. On the bright side, Sony has a lot coming out in 2026, from Saros and Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls to Marvel’s Wovlerine, so any of those could appear instead.

The Game Awards is set for December 11th, and thus far, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is leading the charge in terms of nominations. It recently swept the Golden Joystick Awards, winning in six categories alongside the Ultimate Game of the Year.

In the interview, Baker spoke about how he often butts heads with Druckmann about various things, including the direction of his characters. Since he will be taking on the role of a supporting character in Intergalactic rather than a primary one, he also said that they still often clash with each other.

“We did two weeks ago, man. Neil and I will always, it’s our vibe,” said Baker. “We just love to butt up against each other. We were doing a table read, and I was literally like, ‘Why are you giving me s*** right now? I’m asking you a question!’ And everybody else is like, ‘Our mom and dad are fighting, are we still going to Disneyland?’ We’re fine. We’re fine!”

As for his role as a supporting character in Intergalactic, Baker also spoke about his expansive career throughout the video game industry. He noted his belief that he doesn’t “deserve or need anymore”, but is still grateful for the role he plays in the industry. He also spoke about all the things he had learned with his work on various projects, even if they might not have been ‘game of the year’ winners.

“I’ve had a hell of a career. This industry owes me nothing. What a ride. I don’t think that I deserve or need anymore,” Baker said.. “But I am enjoying it now, now that I understand more about game development, I enjoy the process more than I do the credit. And some of my games that I look back on and go, ‘Man, I learned so much on that,’ and they were not Game of the Year contenders. There’s no BAFTA nomination associated with it. My reward was in more ephemeral qualities than money or accolades, or even recognition. So I’m enjoying the position that I have, which I still feel is a very important position with Intergalactic.”

When it comes to his future, Baker compares his aspirations to having a career like acclaimed actor George Clooney, who is known for his incredibly diverse roles, ranging from protagonists to supporting characters.

“I want to be like George Clooney,” he said. “I want to have my Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and my Michael Clayton, and some of his directing work too. He’s just an amazing person. The things that he’s able to create and the reason why he continues to be in things like Oceans 11, Up in the Air, or The American is because people just want to work with him.”

As for Intergalactic, there is currently no word on when the PS5-exclusive will be released. Druckmann has previously described it as being the “most ambitious”, “most expansive”, and “most expensive” game that Naughty Dog has made so far.