What Can We Expect from This Week's PS5 State of Play Featuring the Returnal Sequel?

Sony has officially confirmed a September PS5 showcase, which is expected to reveal key updates about upcoming games, including its highly anticipated exclusive, Saros, set for release in 2026. This event, scheduled to last approximately 35 minutes, will also feature a mix of third-party and indie titles, along with updates from PlayStation Studios.

Last updated: 24 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Upcoming PS5 Showcase

• The showcase is set for Wednesday, 24 September 2023, at 10 pm BST.
• Saros, the spiritual sequel to Returnal, will be featured, though gameplay will be limited to five minutes.
• Expect updates on third-party and indie titles, as well as potential trailers for other first-party games.
• The showcase may mark a significant focus on Japanese-made games, coinciding with the Tokyo Game Show.
• This event could be Sony's last State of Play of the year, making it particularly noteworthy.

What to Expect from the Showcase

Sony's upcoming State of Play is generating significant excitement among gamers. While it will not be the lengthy showcase many have hoped for, it promises to deliver crucial updates on several key titles. Lasting only 35 minutes, this event will focus predominantly on Saros, a title that has garnered attention since its announcement earlier this year.

Saros: The Most Anticipated Exclusive

Described as a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Returnal, Saros is being developed by Housemarque Studios. The game features Rahul Kohli, known for his role in The Haunting of Bly Manor, as the lead character. Early reports indicate that Saros will maintain a traditional single-player format, which has fans of the genre eagerly awaiting more details.

Despite its brief gameplay showcase of only five minutes, Saros is set to steal the spotlight during the event. Housemarque’s previous title, Returnal, is often regarded as one of the best games on the PS5. This raises expectations for how the studio will innovate further with Saros.

Other Noteworthy Titles on Display

Alongside Saros, the remaining 30 minutes of the showcase will feature a mix of third-party and indie titles. There are speculations regarding potential trailers for other first-party games, including:

• Ghost Of Yōtei: Set to launch next week, this title may receive one final trailer to build excitement ahead of its release.
• Wolverine: Insomniac's long-anticipated game could make a reappearance, with reports suggesting a 2026 launch.
• Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet: Naughty Dog's upcoming title is expected to showcase new content, as director Neil Druckmann shifts focus from other projects.

The Influence of the Tokyo Game Show

With the Tokyo Game Show coinciding with the showcase, there is a strong indication that Sony may spotlight Japanese-made games. Although Sony has only two Japanese studios currently—Polyphony Digital and Team Asobi—it's likely too early for either to present a new game. However, the timing aligns with the industry's focus on Japanese gaming culture, which could influence the types of titles featured during the showcase.

Preparing for the Showcase: Timing and Accessibility

The State of Play will air at 10 pm BST, which means UK viewers will need to stay up late to catch all the announcements. This late-night slot often indicates a more significant emphasis on the content being presented, making it a must-watch for dedicated fans. Given that this might be the last showcase of the year, the stakes are higher than usual, and expectations for exciting announcements are palpable.

Conclusion: What Happens Next?

As the gaming community anticipates the September PS5 showcase, excitement and speculation are at an all-time high. With Saros leading the charge, coupled with potential updates on other major titles, this event could shape the future of the PlayStation 5 landscape. Given the hints of a focus on Japanese games and the timing of the Tokyo Game Show, fans will be eager to see how these elements come together. Will this showcase deliver the thrilling updates that gamers have been craving?

As we await the showcase, it’s clear that the gaming world is poised for a significant shift, and the next few months will be crucial for Sony and its offerings. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting event.

#PS5Showcase #Saros #PlayStation5

FAQs

When is the PS5 showcase scheduled to air?

The PS5 showcase is set to air on Wednesday, 24 September 2023, at 10 pm BST.

What is Saros about?

Saros is described as the spiritual sequel to Returnal and is a traditional single-player game developed by Housemarque Studios featuring Rahul Kohli in the lead role.

How long will the PS5 showcase last?

The showcase will last approximately 35 minutes, with around five minutes dedicated to gameplay from Saros.

Will there be updates on other games during the showcase?

Yes, the showcase will include updates on anticipated third-party and indie titles, along with potential trailers for other first-party games.

What significance does the Tokyo Game Show have for the showcase?

The Tokyo Game Show starts shortly after the showcase, and there may be a particular focus on Japanese games, given Sony's historical ties to the region.