PlayStation’s Road Back to the Top.
![State of Play | June 2, 2026 [English Subtitles]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RvyezhN16IU/0.jpg)
Few companies have shaped the modern gaming landscape as profoundly as PlayStation. Yet, despite the undeniable commercial success of the PlayStation 5, Sony has spent much of this generation navigating one of the most uncertain phases in its recent history. The contrast with the PlayStation 4 era is impossible to ignore.
During that generation, Sony established an almost unmatched reputation for delivering a consistent stream of critically acclaimed first-party exclusives. Games like God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon didn’t just define the platform – they became benchmarks for cinematic, narrative-driven game development.
The transition to PlayStation 5, however, has proven considerably more complex.
While hardware sales have remained exceptionally strong, Sony has struggled to maintain the same release cadence that once defined its first-party output. Long gaps between major exclusives, a comparatively thinner internal lineup, and an increasingly opaque roadmap have left both players and industry analysts questioning the company’s long-term direction.
Much of that uncertainty can be traced back to Sony’s aggressive push into the live-service market. What was originally envisioned as a key pillar of PlayStation’s future ultimately failed to deliver the expected results.
Several projects were cancelled before release, others underwent substantial restructuring, and some of the titles that did reach the market fell short of internal expectations. Rather than expanding PlayStation’s portfolio alongside its renowned single-player experiences, the initiative became a costly reminder of the challenges involved in breaking into one of the industry’s most competitive segments. The consequences inevitably extended beyond the live-service strategy itself.
As internal resources were redirected and development priorities shifted, the pace of PlayStation Studios’ traditional first-party output slowed considerably. One of the platform’s defining strengths – its ability to consistently deliver blockbuster exclusives – began to fade, creating a perception that PlayStation had temporarily lost some of the momentum that had made the PS4 generation so dominant. It’s hardly surprising, then, that many fans began calling for a return to the formula that had built the brand’s reputation in the first place. Against that backdrop, Sony’s State of Play on June 2 felt particularly significant.
The presentation wasn’t a dramatic reinvention, nor did it attempt to erase the challenges of the past few years overnight. Instead, it offered something arguably more important: a renewed sense of direction.
Rather than focusing on service-based ambitions, Sony shifted the spotlight back to the experiences that have long defined the PlayStation brand – big-budget single-player adventures, bold new IPS, beloved legacy franchises, and an increasingly robust lineup of high-profile third-party partnerships. Announcements such as God of War: Laufey, Marvel’s Wolverine, alongside the previously revealed remake of the original God of War trilogy, reinforced Sony’s renewed commitment to the premium, story-driven experiences that have become synonymous with PlayStation over the past decade and a half.
At the same time, the showcase highlighted a remarkably diverse slate of third-party projects, reflecting a broader publishing strategy designed to appeal to virtually every audience. From action RPGs to fighting games, platformers, indie productions, and entirely new IPs, the lineup painted the picture of a platform looking to strengthen not only its exclusive offerings but its overall ecosystem. Whether this renewed strategy ultimately succeeds remains, as always, for the market to decide.
Still, the message delivered by this latest State of Play was difficult to ignore. For the first time in quite some time, PlayStation appeared less concerned with chasing industry trends and more focused on reinforcing the identity that made it one of gaming’s defining brands. It was a presentation built around confidence rather than course correction – one that suggested Sony may finally have rediscovered the creative direction that players have been waiting to see throughout much of the PlayStation 5 generation.
Here’s everything announced during the showcase, along with a closer look at the event’s biggest reveals.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Thieve
Bandai Namco is set to revive one of the most iconic franchises in the aerial combat genre. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Thieves aims to deliver a new evolution of the acclaimed series, introducing a brand-new narrative campaign set within an entirely original scenario, a lineup of more than thirty playable aircraft, and an upgraded combat system designed to further refine the signature dogfighting experience that has defined the franchise for decades.
The game retains the series’ unmistakable arcade-inspired foundation while expanding its formula through enhanced atmospheric effects and increasingly spectacular aerial engagements. These additions are designed to elevate the scale and immersion of each encounter, while preserving the cinematic flair, and fast-paced action that remain at the heart of Ace Combat.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Thieves is scheduled to launch on October 2 for PlayStation 5.
Bancho The Chef
The Dave the Diver universe continues to grow with a prequel centred on Bancho, one of the most beloved characters from the original adventure. Bancho The Chef expands the series into new territory by combining management mechanics, cooking simulation, and role-playing elements, allowing players to experience the formative years of the acclaimed chef’s journey.
The game will challenge players to refine their culinary skills, develop a variety of restaurants across the globe, manage increasingly rare and sophisticated ingredients, and satisfy the demands of an ever-evolving clientele. While preserving the distinctive visual identity that helped define the series, Bancho The Chef introduces a broader and more ambitious structure, placing greater emphasis on progression, personal growth, and the evolution of its protagonist.
A release date has yet to be announced.
Control Resonant
Remedy Entertainment returns to its acclaimed shared universe with Control Resonant, a new chapter that further expands the interconnected narrative established by Control and Alan Wake 2.
Set after the events of both titles, the game explores the consequences of Jesse Faden and Alan Wake’s respective journeys while placing Dylan Faden – Jesse’s brother and a pivotal figure in the history of the Federal Bureau of Control – at the heart of the story. One of the most notable additions is the evolution of the combat system, highlighted by the introduction of the Aberrant, a new shape-shifting weapon capable of transforming into different offensive configurations. This new tool aims to add greater flexibility, experimentation, and tactical depth to encounters.
Structurally, Control Resonant moves beyond the more confined design of its predecessor, embracing broader environments shaped by shifting architecture and surreal spatial distortions that evoke the mind-bending atmosphere of Inception. The result is a more ambitious interpretation of Remedy’s distinctive blend of action, mystery, and psychological storytelling.
Control Resonant is scheduled to release on September 24.
Dune: Awakening
The survival MMO set in the Dune universe receives one of its most substantial updates since release, introducing major changes designed to broaden the experience and welcome a wider range of players.
The headline addition is a fully playable single-player mode, offering an alternative for those who prefer a more focused, self-contained adventure over the traditional persistent online structure of an MMO. Alongside this announcement, the console version of the game has also been officially revealed, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
The PlayStation 5 version is scheduled to launch on September 22.
Dynasty Warriors 3: Remastered
Koei Tecmo returns to one of the most celebrated entries in its renowned musou series with a remastered edition designed to bring the classic experience to modern audiences. The updated release introduces a comprehensive visual overhaul, improved technical performance, refinements to the combat system, and a range of quality-of-life enhancements designed to deliver a smoother, more accessible, and more engaging experience for both returning fans and new players alike.
While remaining faithful to the original’s identity, the remaster aims to present a more refined and definitive version of one of the franchise’s most beloved chapters.
The remastered edition is scheduled to release on October 1.
God of War Laufey
Among the most significant announcements from the entire State of Play, God of War Laufey undoubtedly stands out as one of the event’s most surprising and ambitious reveals.
Santa Monica Studio is taking the series in a bold new direction by shifting the focus to Faye – a character who has always been fundamental to the Norse era of God of War, yet whose own story has remained largely untold. The game will explore the warrior giant’s past, set long before the events involving Kratos and Atreus.
From a gameplay standpoint, God of War Laufey appears poised to introduce one of the franchise’s most substantial evolutions to date. The combat system has been redesigned around increased speed, greater mobility, expanded magical abilities, and more dynamic encounters, offering a structure that moves beyond the foundations established by the previous two entries. Joining Faye on her journey will be the Cube, a new character portrayed by Dennis Quaid, whose purpose within the narrative remains one of the title’s most compelling elements.
God of War Laufey does not currently have an official release window.
Marathon
During the State of Play, Bungie returned with a new look at its extraction shooter, revealing the arrival of the game’s second season.
The new update introduces a range of additional activities, expanded content, balance refinements, and a revamped progression system designed to make the experience more accessible for newcomers while providing fresh incentives for veteran players.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls
The Marvel-inspired fighting game continues to expand its ever-growing roster with the addition of three iconic characters. Green Goblin, Carnage, and Doctor Doom have been officially revealed as the latest fighters joining the lineup, while also playing a role in new episodes of the game’s story mode.
This expansion further enhances both the narrative and competitive sides of the experience, introducing fresh story content while broadening the strategic possibilities available to players through new playstyles, match-ups, and combat approaches within the roster.
Marvel’s Wolverine
After years of anticipation, Insomniac Games has finally unveiled a more extensive look at its highly anticipated Wolverine project. The latest trailer confirms a more focused, narrative-driven experience built around a linear structure, marking a clear departure from the open-world approach that defined the studio’s acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man series.
The game embraces a darker and more visceral interpretation of the iconic mutant, with a combat system built around brutal close-quarters encounters, relentless action, and the distinctive abilities that define Logan’s identity. His regenerative powers appear to serve as more than a gameplay mechanic, becoming a fundamental aspect of both the experience and the portrayal of his physical and emotional endurance. The footage points towards a more cinematic and intense adventure, one that places greater emphasis on atmosphere, character-driven storytelling, and the sheer impact of every confrontation.
The inclusion of major figures such as Jean Grey, Team X, Sabretooth, and Bolivar Trask further expands the project’s narrative scope, hinting at a story deeply rooted in the wider X-Men mythology and the conflicts that have shaped Logan’s legacy.
Marvel’s Wolverine is scheduled to release on September 15 for PlayStation 5.
ILL
The unsettling first-person horror experience from Team Clout returned during the State of Play with a new gameplay trailer, offering the most detailed look yet at its disturbing atmosphere, brutal encounters, and survival-focused design.
The newly revealed footage highlights an evolved dismemberment system, highly detailed creatures, and a combat approach built around tension, precision, and resource management. Rather than relying solely on confrontation, the game appears to emphasise vulnerability and strategic decision-making, reinforcing the constant sense of danger that defines its horror experience.
Firmly rooted in immersive survival horror, ILL places realism, psychological tension, and environmental storytelling at the heart of its design. Every aspect of the experience – from scarce resources to unpredictable enemy encounters – is crafted to maintain a relentless atmosphere and keep players in a constant struggle for survival.
ILL is scheduled to release in 2027.
Kemuri
Unseen returned during the State of Play with a new trailer for Kemuri, offering a deeper look at its ambitious supernatural action experience and the distinctive world the studio is bringing to life.
The game will support both single-player and cooperative play, inviting players to explore a sprawling metropolis where folklore-inspired creatures, mysterious entities, and paranormal phenomena continuously alter the surrounding environment.
Kemuri is scheduled to release in 2027.
No Rest for the Wicked
Moon Studios has officially announced the arrival of the 1.0 release for its acclaimed isometric action RPG, marking the conclusion of the game’s extensive Early Access journey.
After a long period of development and community-driven refinement, the title will launch on PlayStation 5 with over one hundred hours of content, a host of technical enhancements, new quests, expanded progression systems, and a fully reworked balance aimed at delivering a more polished and comprehensive experience.
The 1.0 release is scheduled for October.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom continues its ambitious revival of the historic Onimusha franchise, bringing the beloved series back to the forefront with a new installment designed to evolve its formula while preserving the identity that has defined it for decades.
The latest trailer offers a closer look at the game’s combat system, which appears to draw inspiration from the precision-based mechanics seen in titles such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, while adapting them into a more accessible and action-focused framework. Faster-paced encounters, responsive controls, and a stronger emphasis on direct confrontation aim to deliver a more modern interpretation of the franchise’s signature gameplay.
Despite these changes, the game remains firmly rooted in the elements that made Onimusha unique, returning players to a feudal Japan shaped by historical conflict, supernatural forces, and demonic threats that have been central to the series since its debut.
The game is scheduled to release on September 25.
Phantom Blade Zero
The ambitious action RPG from S-Game returned with a new trailer, offering a deeper look at its striking visual identity and its fast-paced, brutal, and cinematic combat system.
During the presentation, Sony also revealed that the title will be the focus of a dedicated State of Play showcase in the future, a move that further underlines the importance of the project within the broader PlayStation portfolio.
The game is scheduled to release on October 29.
New Additions Coming to PlayStation Plus
The PlayStation Plus catalogue continues to grow with the arrival of several new titles announced during the presentation.
The latest additions include:
- RuneScape: Dragonwilds
- Gitaroo Man
- Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
- Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams
Rayman Legends Retold
Ubisoft is bringing Rayman back to PlayStation consoles with Rayman Legends Retold, a revitalised version of the acclaimed platformer designed to introduce the beloved adventure to a new generation of players. The new release introduces a comprehensive overhaul of the original experience, featuring enhanced visuals, additional levels, and expanded content designed to modernise the presentation while preserving the distinctive identity that have defined the series for decades.
For longtime fans, the game represents far more than a simple re-release: it marks the return of one of Ubisoft’s most iconic characters to the spotlight and could serve as the first step toward a new era for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
Silent Hill: Townfall
Konami returned during the State of Play with a new trailer for Silent Hill: Townfall, the highly anticipated instalment developed by No Code, offering a deeper look at the eerie village of St. Amelia and the disturbing mysteries that surround it.
The latest footage introduces new creatures and several key characters who appear poised to play a significant role in the unfolding narrative, while further emphasising the game’s deeply psychological approach to horror.
Unlike previous entries in the franchise, Silent Hill: Townfall seems to pursue a more intimate and atmospheric experience, placing greater focus on tension, mystery, and the exploration of the human psyche.
Silent Hill: Townfall is scheduled to release on September 24.
Stuntman: Hollywood
The iconic stunt-focused franchise returns after years away with a new instalment that aims to reinvent and expand upon the formula that made the series memorable.
The game promises a broader vehicle roster, more ambitious and spectacular missions, new gameplay modes, and a full-length campaign inspired by the scale of Hollywood’s biggest action productions. The project seeks to modernise the franchise while preserving its signature blend of cinematic spectacle, high-speed action, and over-the-top stunt-driven entertainment.
A release date has not yet been announced.
The Lost Wild
During the State of Play, Great Ape Games and Annapurna Interactive returned with a new look at The Lost Wild, their ambitious dinosaur-themed survival horror experience.
The studio’s vision is to create a more authentic and immersive approach to encounters, introducing dinosaurs with complex behaviours that allow them to react naturally to their surroundings and the player’s actions. These creatures are not designed as conventional enemies, but as unpredictable predators capable of tracking the player, responding to environmental cues, and adapting their behaviour based on the circumstances of each encounter.
From a gameplay standpoint, The Lost Wild remains firmly rooted in survival horror, placing a strong emphasis on stealth, evasion, exploration, and observation rather than direct combat. The experience is built around tension and vulnerability, where understanding the behaviour of these predators becomes the key to survival.
The Lost Wild is scheduled to release in 2027.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
The remake-reboot of the original Tomb Raider has finally returned with a new look, offering a closer glimpse at the ambitious reimagining of Lara Croft’s iconic debut adventure.
Published by Amazon Game Studios, the project aims to rebuild the foundations of the original experience for a modern audience, introducing a reworked narrative structure, expanded exploration systems, and a comprehensive next-generation technical overhaul designed to bring the classic adventure into a new era.
Following the delay announced in recent months, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is now scheduled to release on February 12, 2027.
Until Dawn 2
Closing out the State of Play was the return of one of the most acclaimed narrative horror franchises of recent years. Until Dawn 2 will introduce an entirely new and self-contained story, separate from the events of the original game, set on a mysterious tropical island where a team of paranormal investigators will face a series of unsettling supernatural threats. The sequel will retain the core elements that defined the franchise, with a branching narrative structure built around player choices and consequences.
Until Dawn 2 is currently scheduled to release in 2027.
