Gamescom had a little bit of everything for everyone. Fans finally gotHalo Infinite’s release date, a newtrailer and release window forLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, a look at theSaints Rowreboot, and so much more.Sonywas also present at Gamescom, revealing new information forDeath Stranding Director’s Cut, confirmedHorizon Forbidden West’s delay, and show a few other games in its repertoire.
Sonyseemingly went all-in with Gamescom, as all-in as it was ready for anyway. However, Gamescom significantly changed the release date schedule for fall/holiday 2021. From now through 2022, fans probably have a pretty good idea of what they are getting when. New announcements are unlikely, while the possibility of delays is as likely as ever. Sony’s stage presence at Gamescom, in turn, serves as a double-edged sword for any more State of Plays this year.
RELATED:Horizon Forbidden West Release Date Delayed Confirmed, Zero Dawn Gets PS5 Update
To be clear, that’s NOT to say there won’t be another State of Play this year, but it seems like Sony would be operating with one hand tied behind its back. Some rumors have suggestedbig reveals from future State of Plays, and while they are worth considering, there really seems like two choices for a State of Play IF it happens this year: go big with a focus on 2022 or manage expectations with a smaller State of Play.
State of Play September Rumors
Notably, there are rumors of a State of Play taking place in September. Looking at the releases in September, it does seem possible, but at the same time, aState of Play has been rumored all throughout August. The simple truth is that rumors are nothing until confirmed, and they should live or die by their source. None of these State of Plays had reliable sources, seemingly including the one allegedly taking place in September.
If it did, that gives fans an idea of what to expect. Sony’s September releases includeDeathloop(September 14),Kena: Bridge of Spirits(September 21), andDeath Stranding Director’s Cut(September 24.) After that, October will see the release ofJett: The Far Shore(October 5) andSolar Ash(October 26), while everything else on Fall’s release schedule now is third party.
ConsideringDeath Strandingwas at GamescomandGhost of Tsushimadidn’t get a dedicated State of Play (considering their Director’s Cuts), it seems any September State of Play would likely focus onKena. SomeDeathloopis to be expected, but it has had a lot of marketing in comparison. The September show may also focus onJett andSolar Ash,but overall, that’s about it. There’s some chanceGTA 5on PS5is a show’s focus, though it does seem slim.
State of Play – Fall 2021
A State of Play focusing on Fall 2021 is the likeliest scenario, but does it make for the most interesting show?No one should sleep onKena: Bridge of Spirits, but the big releases for this final part of the year for Sony areDeathloopandDeath Stranding. In other words, there are reasons to not put out a show focusing on this fall, as fans will want something big and mind-blowing, and the company might just not yet be ready to show its hand.
RELATED:PS Plus Leaked Games for September 2021 Explained
Perhaps Sony will put out one focusing on next year, or at least, highlighting early 2022 with fall 2021. WithSifuandHorizon Forbidden Westcurrently on the early 2022 schedule, that could be a big show. If theGod of War appearing at a State of Play rumorsare true (doubtful), this could be it. That would end the year with a bang and build a lot of anticipation for next year. However, this is all speculation, hope, and unconfirmed rumors.
Will Another State of Play Take Place in 2021?
The simple truth is this: another State of Play this year is a possibility, however slim. If it does happen, and that’s a big if, it either goes big to end the year or it advertises its slim fall slate. No matter which it goes with, there’s good and bad based on the current, known slate of games. That’s nothing against the games releasing this fall, but all eyes were indubitably onHorizonand Aloy. Now, that’s happening in early 2022.
It may seem unfortunate, but it’s small potatoes for Sony. It has plenty of options here, and no matter what it chooses, some fans will be elated to hear about and see the State of Play, while others will wish something likeGod of Warshowed. No matter what, while it may not have a “definitive” holiday release,Sony may have a stacked video game release schedule in 2022. And knowing there are more games on the horizon after the fall/holiday season ends is as big of a deal, if not bigger, than knowing what’s coming sooner.
Sonyhas not announced any new State of Plays.
MORE:Every AAA PS5 Game Rumored or Confirmed To Be In Development
