The State of PlayStation: A Deep Dive into PS5 Exclusives
Sony finds itself in a paradoxical position within the gaming industry. While the PlayStation 5 has achieved remarkable sales success, largely due to diminished competition from Xbox, the company's ambitious live service game strategy has faltered. Multiple projects have been canceled, leading to a scarcity of exclusive titles for the console over the past six years. However, a resurgence appears to be on the horizon, with several traditional single-player exclusives slated for release this year and more announced in recent showcases.
PlayStation Studios: What's in Development?
Despite the dominance of third-party releases in recent events, Sony's internal studios are working on a mix of confirmed and rumored projects. Here is a detailed breakdown of each studio's current status and future plans.
Bend Studio: A Studio in Transition
Bend Studio, known for Days Gone, has not released a new title during the PS5's lifecycle, aside from a remaster. After the cancellation of a live service project, the studio faced layoffs and is now focused on an undisclosed next project. Job listings suggest potential multiplayer experience, indicating a shift away from a traditional Days Gone sequel.
Bluepoint Games: Moving Beyond Remakes
Following the cancellation of a God of War live service game, Bluepoint Games released the Demon's Souls remake as a PS5 launch title. The studio previously announced plans for an original project, and recent job listings hint at a third-person action game, likely a single-player experience given Sony's revised live service strategy.
Bungie: Under Pressure to Deliver
Although not officially part of PlayStation Studios, Bungie operates under Sony's oversight. The studio is heavily promoting Marathon, a live service extraction shooter launching on March 5, to justify its acquisition cost. Rumors of early work on Destiny 3 exist, but Bungie's future may hinge on Marathon's performance.
Dark Outlaw Games: A Fresh Start
Founded by Call of Duty veterans, Dark Outlaw Games is developing an original triple-A exclusive after the closure of Deviation Games. The studio aims to avoid past pitfalls and successfully release a game under Sony's partnership.
Firesprite: Shifting Focus from VR
Acquired for VR expertise, Firesprite's future may lie beyond virtual reality, given Sony's waning interest. A canceled Twisted Metal reboot and job listings point to a story-driven horror game, potentially targeting a PlayStation 6 release.
Guerrilla Games: Balancing Live Service and Single-Player
Guerrilla Games is developing Horizon Hunters Gathering, a live service multiplayer title, while also working on a third mainline Horizon game. With most resources dedicated to the live service project, Horizon 3 may become a PS6 title.
Haven Studios: Uncertain Future for Fairgame$
Haven Studios continues with Fairgame$, a multiplayer shooter, but updates have been scarce since its 2023 teaser. The loss of its game director and lack of recent mentions suggest possible delays or cancellation.
Housemarque: A Bright Spot with Saros
Housemarque is set to release Saros, a spiritual successor to Returnal, on April 30. This single-player roguelike blends third-person shooting and bullet hell action, avoiding Sony's live service pitfalls.
Insomniac Games: Consistent Marvel Releases
Insomniac maintains a steady release schedule, with Wolverine expected in autumn, following Spider-Man 2. Leaks revealed plans for multiple Marvel games and another Ratchet & Clank, though details remain uncertain post-hacking incident.
Media Molecule: Silent on Future Projects
Media Molecule has moved on from Dreams but has not announced a new project. The studio is unlikely to return to LittleBigPlanet, with its next title possibly involving player-generated content.
Naughty Dog: Challenges with Intergalactic
Naughty Dog is developing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, an action-adventure game rumored to feature an open world. Despite internal delays, it may target a 2027 release, with another unannounced project in the pipeline.
Polyphony Digital: Gran Turismo's Live Service Success
Polyphony Digital is likely working on Gran Turismo 8, but Gran Turismo 7 continues to generate revenue through microtransactions, reducing urgency for a sequel.
San Diego Studio: Annual MLB Releases
San Diego Studio focuses on annual MLB The Show releases, with MLB The Show 26 launching on March 17. The franchise remains multiplatform, available on Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
Santa Monica Studio: God of War Prequel and Remakes
Santa Monica Studio shadow-dropped Sons of Sparta, a God of War prequel, and is involved in remaking the original Greek-era games. Rumors suggest another project from director Cory Barlog, possibly announced later this year.
Sucker Punch Productions: Post-Ghost of Yōtei Plans
After releasing Ghost of Yōtei, Sucker Punch is adding co-op multiplayer. Its next project, likely for PS6, may be a third samurai game or an original IP, with no plans to revive older franchises.
Team Asobi: Astro Bot's Future
Team Asobi, the remnant of Japan Studio, may focus on more Astro Bot games following its success. The studio has not hinted at its next project, but Sony may push for family-friendly titles.
teamLFG: Sony's Live Service Hope
Formed from Bungie, teamLFG is developing a multiplayer game inspired by various genres. Sony aims for a live service hit, but it is too early to predict success.
In summary, PlayStation Studios is navigating a complex landscape, with a mix of confirmed exclusives like Saros and Wolverine and rumored titles from studios such as Naughty Dog and Guerrilla Games. While live service ambitions have scaled back, traditional single-player experiences and strategic new projects signal a potential revival for the brand.
