PlayStation May 2024 State of Play Recap

As the summer draws near, it’s high time for an onslaught of new game announcements. Now that E3 is dearly departed from us, there are more showcases than you can hope to keep track of, but the ones that appealed the most to me were the Wholesome Games Direct, Devolver Digital’s Direct, and Sony’s State of Play. With a mere two-day heads-up, PlayStation’s State of Play took place on May 30th in the early evening, and brought about several new game announcements and updates on highly-anticipated titles set to come out very soon.

With a flashy CGI trailer, we start Sony’s State of Play with the announcement of Concord from Firewalk Studios, a 5v5 first-person shooter complete with abilities and personalities. With gameplay displayed as well, it seems a cross between Overwatch 2 and Destiny 2′s Crucible mode – a heavy emphasis placed on the characters and how they synergize in this title. Concord is set for launch on August 23rd alongside a PC release.

Next up is an expected (but exciting) announcement that God of War: Ragnarök is coming to PC on September 19th. With a full suite of enhancements for the PC, including Nvidia DLSS 3.7 and an unlocked framerate, this will undoubtedly be the definitive way to play what is regarded as one of the best games of this current console generation. With the Steam listing noting the requirement for a PSN account, it’ll be interesting to see how players react to that after the Helldivers 2 review bomb. Soon enough, we can hope for Bloodborne as Sony is running out of games to port.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is then announced with a 2025 release window. This franchise has been somewhat dormant the past decade, but retains a cult following as no other game can give the same rush as taking on entire armies by yourself. With the last few entries receiving mixed reception, here’s hoping this one is a return to form.

An “open-world dress-up game” wasn’t on my bingo card, but Infinity Nikki brings just that. An ambitious project from a mobile game developer, this console debut looks gorgeous even if the trailer doesn’t clarify exactly what you do in the game. Infinity Nikki is set for a Q3 2024 release.

The next reveal is for Ballad of Antara, another game that’s a ways off with an eventual 2025 release date. This action RPG from Tipsworks, the team behind similar title Pascal’s Wager, has me intrigued with its Souls-like leanings and fluid combat. While the voice-acting leaves a lot to be desired, this could be one to look out for.

Now, on to the PSVR2 games, which I’m sure there’s a market for even if it’s small. Behemoth receives a cinematic reveal for its hack-and-slash FPS medieval combat. Aside from its grim tone and grisly battles, the hook being the massive monster that you’ll surely fight is going to turn some heads and might warrant a purchase if one is so inclined.

A mere teaser but enough to give me goosebumps, Alien Rogue Incursion just makes sense for the PSVR2. Alien Isolation showed that horror gameplay in the Alien franchise can be done excellently, and I can’t begin to imagine how terrifying a Xenomorph would look in a high-res VR headset. This one’s due out Holiday 2024.

Marvel Rivals got a new announcement for a closed beta taking place in July of 2024 on PlayStation. Adding some new gameplay, this looks like a treat for those that have the crossover appeal of arena shooters and the Marvel franchise. Voice acting/character designs for beloved heroes and villains sound up to snuff, so let’s see if this title takes gaming by storm or if it meanders out after a month or two when it releases.

In the same realm as Sekiro and Ghost of Tsushima, Where Winds Meet is an open-world action-adventure RPG with not only swordplay, but Kung Fu, too. From Everstone Studio, a developer I can’t track down much information on, this is listed as “in development.” So it’s not coming out anytime soon, but it’s another title that I certainly have my eyes on now.

Almost a decade after its release, Until Dawn is receiving a remake that will release in Fall of 2024 on PC and PS5. It’s been thrilling seeing what Supermassive Games has dished out with their Dark Pictures stories and The Quarry, so it feels like a celebration to be able to experience this game again, especially since it had such a low framerate on PS4.

Not yet announced for console, Path of Exile 2 gets confirmation for PS5 in this State of Play. Previously with no release date, this trailer brings an Early Access late 2024 release window. Anyone who gets burnt out of Diablo IV is bound to be leaning towards this title once it reaches PlayStation gamers later this year.

While details were scarce before the State of Play, Silent Hill 2‘s release date is set for October 8th on PS5. The trailer was met with some criticism towards its character models and animations, but if the core gameplay can capture what players felt two decades ago, that will more than make up for it thanks to the epitome of survival horror.

Arguably the most anticipated piece of this State of Play was gameplay for Monster Hunter Wilds. After Monster Hunter World became Capcom’s highest-selling game, it’s clear the company is going all-out with this title. With captivating weaponry and intimidating beasts, Capcom’s flagship franchise is going to have its rabid fanbase clamoring for more in 2025.

Closing out the show is the highly-rumored Astro Bot, a charming platformer with incredible visuals and charm that’s bursting at the seams. There’s a bevy of nods to all manners of PlayStation IPs, including old fan favorites like Ape Escape and even Parappa the Rappa. This might be the biggest seller for Sony this year and it’s set for release on September 6, 2024.