Next Week’s State of Play Reportedly Full of Mid Games, Won’t Beat Xbox Games Showcase

In the video game industry, gaming showcases have become a crucial part of brand perception and it seems Sony is facing another uphill battle. It is expected that the State of Play will be happening on September 24th, but gaming journalist Jeff Grubb, during this week’s episode of Giant Bomb’s Game Mess Mornings, revealed that the show may not live up to the expectations fans are hoping for.

Grubb, joined by Lucy James, discussed various rumors about the show’s potential game showcases, especially about the rumored remaster in the works. With fans’ expectations already tempered, the focus has shifted to yet another year filled with another round of remasters. Looking at the early indications and rumors, it doesn’t look like the show will be able to compete well against Microsoft’s recent Xbox Games Showcase.

Sony’s Upcoming State of Play Not Looking Exciting

The surrounding rumors about the upcoming State of Play on September 24th indicate that it will mostly showcase remasters, the most likely the long-rumored Horizon Zero Dawn remaster. While Sony has not confirmed any specific titles for the show, Jeff Grubb from Game Mess Mornings suggested that fans should temper their expectations.

Joined by Lucy James in this episode, Grubb explained that there is another remaster in the work, but the title is unknown and can be on the show. However, one thing is certain: it is not going to be the much-anticipated and beloved Bloodborne. His exact words were:

There is some other remaster kind of in the works that will be even less exciting I’ve heard. And that was when it was like, and that’s definitely not Bloodborne.

The gaming community is concerned that Sony is starting to fall behind in recent years, especially in delivering the original blockbuster experiences that not only define its brand but also keep players excited about its platform.

However, this was not the case with the recent Xbox Game Showcase, which featured a wide array of highly anticipated titles and even some surprises that captured the community’s attention and generated significant buzz.

As PlayStation tries to stabilize under CEO Jim Ryan, many believe the increasing reliance on remasters raises serious questions about the company’s creative thinking and its future direction for the brand. While nostalgia can certainly draw in players, it works like a double-edged sword and may not survive in a competitive landscape that thrives on fresh and exciting content.

Can Jim Ryan Turn the Table Despite the Challenges?

As the September 24th date approaches rapidly, expectations for the State of Play are mixed, to say the least. While some are hoping for some exciting announcements, the early rumors suggest otherwise, highlighting the focus on remasters that is not going to resonate well with the broader gaming community.

If the State of Play fails to deliver impactful reveals yet again, it could further plant the perception in the gaming community that Sony is struggling to keep pace with its competitors. This perception is especially worse because of its recently announced PS5 Pro, which has mixed reviews due to its price tag of $700.

With a potentially lackluster lineup featuring the remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn as the star, Jim Ryan is currently facing a critical moment in defining PlayStation’s future. In the end, it will be interesting to see if the upcoming State of Play can reclaim some of the excitement, or will it be yet another missed opportunity for Sony? Only time will tell.

What games do you expect to be showcased in the upcoming show? Tell us in the comment section below.