PlayStation Showcase 2023 Full Breakdown

Sony PlayStation hasn’t done a Showcase event since 2021 and the overall consensus when they do one of these events is Sony steps up and BRINGS IT. Hype levels are always through the roof. So today we finally got a showcase and did it live up to the hype? Depends on who you talked to, but they certainly had a lot to show, even if most of them weren’t from first-party studios like we were expecting. So, what did they show? Let me do a quick breakdown of everything that happened during the showcase, game by game. I will be as brief and direct as possible, some games will not be as informative as others, but the games of higher interest will be a bit more fleshed out. If any of these games interest you, do yourself a favor and check out the trailers, there are very few duds here. Let’s get to it!

GAME 1: Fairgame$

DATE: No date or window

NOTES: Haven Studios, gave me heavy Watch Dogs vibes. In a nutshell, this is a thrilling competitive heist game where you join an underground movement to rob the ultra-rich and rebalance the scales. PS5 and PC

TRAILER: HERE

Jim Ryan speaks and gives a brief introduction. “Enjoy the show!”

GAME 2: Helldivers 2

DATE: 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE DEVELOPER:

“Greetings, cannon fodder. I’m Johan, Creative Director of Helldivers 2, and I’m ecstatic to finally reveal the project we’ve devoted ourselves to over the past few years. Our team’s achievements in this time have been a source of immense pride. Whether you’re a seasoned player of the original game or a newcomer to the Helldivers universe, I can’t wait for you to dive into our tongue-in-cheek portrayal of a totalitarian regime.

“Brace yourselves for adrenaline-fueled moments, intense action, and a bond that forms when you rely on your team to complete missions or comically fail due to the reckless handling of over-the-top firepower. Most importantly, we hope that the laughter we share in the studio while playing the game will resonate with you as you enjoy this crazy universe.

“See you in Hell, divers!”

– Johan Pilestedt, CEO and Game Director, Arrowhead Games Studios

Coming to PS5 and PC

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 3: Immortals of Aveum

DATE: July 20

NOTES: Immortals of Aveum is an upcoming first-person shooter game developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts. (Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 4: Ghostrunner II

DATE: 2023

NOTES: Published by 505 Games, developed by One more level. Ghostrunner 2 is a hardcore FPP slasher set in a post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk world. Featuring everything fans loved about Ghostrunner plus incredible boss fights, new interactive story, thrilling motorbike levels, improved skills, and more cyber ninja action.
(Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 5: Phantom Blade Zero

DATE: No date or release window given

NOTES:  A new third-person slasher from Chinese developer S-Game “coming to PS5.” This was a personal highlight in my opinion and is one to look out for in the future.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 6: Sword of the Sea

DATE: No date or release window given.

NOTES: Combining the speed and flow of skating games with the emotional core and exploration you expect from a Giant Squid title, Sword of the Sea will be equal parts meditative, exhilarating, and introspective. On the list of indie titles here during this showcase, I’m personally most excited for this one. This game is like a mix between “Journey” and a “Tony Hawk” game, Giant Squid always does amazing work. Coming to PS5

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 7: The Talos Principle II

DATE: 2023

NOTES: The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game’s philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. (Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 8: Neva

DATE: 2024

NOTES: Neva is an emotionally-charged adventure from the visionary Nomada Studio, creators of the critically acclaimed “Gris”. Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they survive a rapidly dying world.
(Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 9: Cat Quest: Pirates of the Purribean 

DATE: 2024

NOTES: The mewest installment in the Cat Quest Series sets sail in a pirate-themed adventure.
(Coming to PS4, PS5 and Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 10: Foamstars

DATE: PS4/PS5

NOTES: From Square Enix, Foamstars focuses on delivering a fresh new take on the shooter genre, all based around the concept of “engaging in energetic foam battles that anyone can pick up and play.” The team is currently hard at work on the development getting ready to let the foam begin! … It’s very much a Splatoon inspired game, this game could really go either way.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 11: The Plucky Squire

DATE: 2023

NOTES: Developed by All Possible Futures, The Plucky Squire is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed by indie developer All Possible Futures and published by Devolver Digital. Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 12: Teardown

DATE: “This year”

NOTES: For those unfamiliar with Teardown, it’s a voxel-based heist game where you literally tear down walls and obstacles in the environment to create shortcuts and complete objectives. We have spent years building and perfecting our custom voxel engine, which allows us to support typically complex things like raytracing and physics-based destruction. With our custom engine comes extensive input data for the DualSense wireless controller, enabling unique haptics throughout the game. For instance, smashing your sledgehammer into glass, wood, concrete or metal will all feel distinctly different. (Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 13: METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER

DATE: No date

NOTE FROM THE DEVELOPERS: “We thank you and sincerely appreciate your continuous support. Currently, the development team are working together to create an environment where fans can experience and enjoy the METAL GEAR series on the latest platforms. We are remaking Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, one of the most beloved instalments of the METAL GEAR series, revealing the origin story of Snake, as METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER. We are working hard for METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER to be a faithful recreation of the original story and game design, while evolving the gameplay with stunning visuals and a seamless user experience.”

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/iNX8QCeymFM

GAME 14: Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol 1

DATE: Autumn 2023

NOTE FROM THE DEVELOPERS: Simultaneously, we will deliver the METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION series, the most complete compilation that celebrates the 35th anniversary of the series. The METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION allow fans to play the games as they were, as first released on the latest platforms. We hope you will enjoy the

METAL GEAR series on the latest platforms. Coming to PS5 and Xbox.

GAME 15: TOWERS OF AGHASBA

DATE: 2024

NOTES: From Dreamlit Games, rebuild your civilization and restore exotic ecosystems on your own fantasy island. Experience an upcoming open-world builder unlike any other. (Also coming to Steam)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 16: Final Fantasy XVI

DATE: 6/22/23

NOTES: Square Enix, launch trailer. Not much more is need to be said here, just release the game already! Less than a month to go!

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 17: Alan Wake II

DATE: 10/17/23

NOTES: Alan Wake II is an upcoming survival horror game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games Publishing. Will only be a digital release unfortunately. Also, will be $50 for PC but $60 on console! That’s annoying.
(Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 18: Assassins Creed: Mirage

DATE: 10/12/23

NOTES: Ubisoft Original. Feels like the first Assassins Creed, but redone for modern consoles. I like that they are bringing this franchise to a smaller more focused scope.
(Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 19: Revenant Hill

DATE: No date or release window given

NOTES: The Glory Society, developers of “A Night In The Woods.” You play as Twigs, a cat that’s fallen on hard times and forced to do odd jobs to pay the rent on the wet log he calls home. This game has a really cool art style. Could be a fun indie game. Coming to PS4 & PS5

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 20: Granblue Fantasy: Relink

DATE: 2023

NOTES: Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Cygames as part of the Granblue Fantasy franchise. Coming to PS4 & PS5

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 21: Street Fighter 6

DATE: 6/2/23

NOTES: We got a cool Story Launch trailer from Capcom. Can’t wait to get my hands on it as early as next week!
(Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/paffW6k2RPQ

GAME 22: Ultros

DATE: 2024

NOTES: side scroller action game that is incredibly trippy looking. Would not recommend playing on drugs. Ouiji wakes up after seemingly crashing her ship on a giant cosmic sarcophagus, carrying an ancient evil entity known as Ultros (we’ve all been there, right?). Caught in the eternal loop of a black hole, anyone unlucky enough to be trapped in the sarcophagus will have their psyche undergo scrutinizing attacks. Ouiji feels the need to venture across the time-loops and break this eternal cycle. This loop-based gameplay mechanic means that across multiple runs you’ll uncover secrets at every turn all whilst unlocking different abilities on a branching skill-tree. This means you can cater to your preferred playstyle and impact the environment across different loops. Console exclusive on PS5 and PS4.

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/AyGZAzHu1QQ

GAME 23: Tower of Fantasy

DATE: This summer

NOTES: Discover a futuristic cyberpunk world, a stunning underwater realm with multiplayer exploration experience from Perfect World Games.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 24: Dragon’s Dogma II

DATE: No date or release window given

NOTES: Dragon’s Dogma II is the highly anticipated action RPG successor to the cult-classic Dragon’s Dogma released in 2012. Dragon’s Dogma II boasts a richly detailed and deeply explorable fantasy world created using immersive physics, character AI and the latest in graphics from Capcom’s RE ENGINE. This single player narrative driven action RPG challenges players to use their creativity and curiosity to shape their own experience. Whether it is your Arisen’s vocation, the Pawns selected for your party, or your approach to multi-faceted gameplay situations, the world of Dragon’s Dogma II revolves around choice. Both your party of Pawns and enemies alike will react dynamically to your actions on the battlefield, whether you cling to the backs of monsters or seek to dispatch them from afar. Your vocation allows you to choose your playstyle, and whether you will use swords, bows, or potent magick to bring your foes to heel.

(Also coming to Xbox)

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 25: Five Nights at Freddy’s Help Wanted 2

DATE: Late 2023

NOTES: Find out if you have what it takes to be Employee of the Month in this all-new, fright-filled VR experience.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 26: Resident Evil 4 VR Mode

DATE: In development… No date or release window given

NOTES: Because the game takes place in VR, the perspective changes from the third person to a fully immersive first-person view. From Leon’s point of view. I have a feeling this mode is still a way out. Coming to PSVR2.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 27: Arizona Sunshine II

DATE: 2023

Notes: From Vertigo Games, It’s time to say hello to your old pal, Fred. Arizona Sunshine 2, the next-gen sequel to the fan-favorite VR apocalypse, packs even more gore-geous zombie action! Coming to PSVR2.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 28: Crossfire Sierra Squad

DATE: This summer

NOTES: Smilegate Entertainment shares a new glimpse of the fierce arcade FPS.
Coming to PSVR2.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 29: Synapse

DATE: 7/4/23

NOTES: From nDreams, Dual-wield brutal firepower and surging telekinesis in the ultimate mind-breaking VR action shooter. Unleash your inner anti-hero and invade the twisted subconscious of a notorious enemy of the state. From the award-winning team behind Fracked, Phantom: Covert Ops and Far Cry VR: Dive into Insanity comes the next generation of immersive VR action. Coming to PSVR2.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 30: Beat Saber

DATE: Available now

NOTES: Beat Saber is a virtual reality rhythm game developed and published by Czech game developer Beat Games. It takes place in a surrealistic neon environment and features the player slicing blocks representing musical beats with a pair of contrasting-colored sabers. Now available on PSVR2. If you already own Beat Saber on PS VR, you can upgrade to PS VR2 for free. Previously purchased Beat Saber music packs on PS VR transfer to PS VR2 at no extra cost. A Queen music pack is also now available.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 31: Marathon

DATE: No date or release window

NOTES: Bungie’s completely new project in more than a decade: Marathon. A sci-fi PvP extraction shooter, Marathon will find players engaging one another as cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners, exploring a lost colony on the planet of Tau Ceti IV in search of riches, fame, and infamy. Marathon is currently in development for PlayStation 5 and Xbox/PC with full cross-play and cross-save.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 32: Destiny 2 The Final Shape

DATE: Destiny Showcase Event 8/22/23

NOTES: Bungie’s second trailer during this showcase. The next Destiny 2 expansion. The big reveal is beloved character Cayde-6 is still alive.

TRAILER: HERE

GAME 33: Concord

DATE: 2024

NOTES: From Sony’s newly acquired studio, Firewalk. Concord is a bringing together of peoples. It’s the power of games to build connection and inspire social play. The Firewalk team is driven by the type of exciting, unexpected moments and shared experiences that multiplayer games create. Every time you log on is the beginning of a new adventure and every match is an opportunity for a new story. It’s these ideals that define Concord, its unique universe of vibrant worlds, and its rich cast of colorful characters. Coming to PS5 and PS4

TRAILER: HERE

After that a trailer for the upcoming Sony film “Gran Turismo” was shown HERE

Once the trailer concluded, Jim Ryan shows up again, thanking fans for tuning in and before the final game of the show he announces a handheld remote play device. The Project Q device for playing games installed on your PS5 and streamed over WiFi, plus our first official wireless earbuds offering lossless audio on PS5 and PC.

More details to come in the months ahead.

Check out the trailer HERE

GAME 34: Spider-Man 2

DATE: Fall 2023

NOTES: From the amazing studio Insomniac Games, this is what fans have been waiting for. Lots of surprising stuff was shown off here, such as Peter in symbiote action! Players can switch between Peter and Miles. Miles has a wing suit to fly! Do yourself a favor and watch both of these trailers. This game will be in the running for Game of the Year 2023 I promise you.

CINEMATIC TRAILER: HERE

GAMEPLAY TRAILER: HERE

And that’s a wrap on the showcase. In-between the trailers Sony did their usual transitions with very cool imagery of the PlayStation symbols. But was this enough? To be honest with you, while there was a lot of great games shown here, not many of them were from true first party studios. I left this showcase having more questions now than going into it. There were some very glaring omissions such as no Naughty Dog, no Sucker Punch, no Bluepoint, no Sony Bend, not even Stellar Blade or games we saw at the previous showcase in 2021. I am shocked we still don’t have any info on the “Last of Us” multiplayer Factions game, and I thought Bluepoint would have been a lock for showing up. I don’t know if Sony is spreading the wealth and has some things to show us during Summer Games Fest or what. If I had to guess, I would say we would be getting another showcase near the end of the year to really show us what to look forward to in 2024 and beyond.

If I had to give this entire presentation a score I’d probably give it a 3/5.

You can watch the full PlayStation Showcase 2023 HERE

Related: AFTER US Review for PlayStation 5