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- Sony’s recent State of Play failed to showcase major first-party games other than Ghost of Yotei, relying heavily on third-party titles and remasters.
- This disappointing event was the last thing Sony needed, especially since the PS5 Pro doesn’t seem to be selling well.
- Fans were hoping for announcements from studios like Naughty Dog and Santa Monica Studio, but these were absent.
Sony already has a lot of less new first-party IPS for its recent-gen console, and the State of Play event in September left me extremely disappointed. The timing couldn’t have been worse, really.
With the PS5 Pro reveal facing backlash due to its steep price tag and perceived lack of significant upgrades, the showcase failed to reignite excitement in me. I’m sure other PlayStation fans feel the same way I do.
Instead of generating hype, the event has raised more worries about the company’s future.
Why it matters: The way things are going, Sony will need to make big changes to win back fan trust.
A Lackluster Lineup and Missed Expectations
The 2024 State of Play event didn’t showcase any major first-party games, except Ghost of Yotei. Expectations were high, and I was anticipating hearing from studios like Naughty Dog and Santa Monica Studio.
Instead, the event mostly highlighted third-party games and smaller projects that didn’t generate the excitement I hoped for. While titles like Astro Bot DLC and Dragon Age: The Veilguard had some appeal, they fell short of the big announcements Sony needed at this time.
This State of Play showcased several niche games and remakes, like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered and the Lunar Remastered Collection. While these may attract retro gamers, they don’t provide the standout content PlayStation needs to promote the upcoming PS5 Pro release.
I’m pretty sure nobody wanted Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. The game literally looks identical to the original title. I feel like this remaster is Sony’s desperate attempt to sell the PS5 Pro.
If there’s one remake or a remaster the fans want from Sony, it’s Bloodborne. I have no clue what Sony was thinking by expecting fans to be excited about what might be the most unnecessary remaster of the decade.
PS5 Pro Controversy Still Lingers
The disappointing State of Play is made worse by the ongoing backlash over the PS5 Pro. Sony’s choice to launch this mid-generation upgrade at a high price of $699.99 has raised questions about whether it’s really needed. Many think that this upgrade over the base PS5 isn’t worth the price.
With only slight improvements over the original PS5, I see the Pro model as more of a cash grab than a meaningful upgrade to an already powerful console.
When people talk about powerful consoles, PlayStation is always in the discussion. It’s what console gamers prefer. Yet, no one seems interested in the PS5 Pro, as the console is still not sold out in the UK and US.
What’s more, the PS5 Pro’s launch lineup doesn’t have any exclusive first-party titles to showcase its power. I suppose only Alan Wake 2 will be able to fully utilize PS5 Pro’s “upgraded” hardware, but that’s not even Sony’s exclusive title.
In fact, Sony’s current lineup mostly features third-party games that will run slightly better on the Pro but without revolutionary improvements.
Timing Couldn’t Be Worse
Timing is crucial in the gaming industry, and Sony’s recent missteps show how disconnected the company is from its fans. The PS5 Pro’s weak reception, along with a disappointing State of Play, has led to widespread frustration.
Sony needed to challenge the idea that the PS5 Pro wasn’t necessary, and this event was their chance to win over fans. Instead, it showcased the absence of exciting new experiences.
Additionally, with competitors like Microsoft putting a lot of money into new games, Sony seems to be falling behind in innovation. What’s funny is that 12 out of 21 games shown in this State of Play are coming to Xbox, too.
The PlayStation system still depends mainly on traditional console sales, but their recent strategy with unnecessary remakes isn’t going to help.
Without any big game announcements, this State of Play did little to reassure fans that Sony is ready for the future.
Even with all these setbacks, I’m still being hopeful. Many of Sony’s top studios are developing unannounced projects, which means there could be exciting reveals coming soon. Hopefully, some of them would be new IPS but who knows?
It’s clear that Sony can’t afford another disappointing showcase or product launch. With the holiday season approaching, the company needs to move quickly to rebuild its relationship with gamers.
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Passionate gamer and content creator with vast knowledge of video games, and I enjoy writing content about them. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to approach gaming uniquely. With my dedication to gaming and content creation, I’m constantly exploring new ways to share my passion with others.
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