Gamescom had a little bit of everything for everyone. Fans finally got Halo Infinite’s release date, a new trailer and release window for LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, a look at the Saints Row reboot, and so much more. Sony was also present at Gamescom, revealing new information for Death Stranding Director’s Cut, confirmed Horizon Forbidden West’s delay, and show a few other games in its repertoire.
Sony seemingly 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.
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 suggested big 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, a State 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 include Deathloop (September 14), Kena: Bridge of Spirits (September 21), and Death Stranding Director’s Cut (September 24.) After that, October will see the release of Jett: The Far Shore (October 5) and Solar Ash (October 26), while everything else on Fall’s release schedule now is third party.
Considering Death Stranding was at Gamescom and Ghost of Tsushima didn’t get a dedicated State of Play (considering their Director's Cuts), it seems any September State of Play would likely focus on Kena. Some Deathloop is to be expected, but it has had a lot of marketing in comparison. The September show may also focus on Jett and Solar Ash, but overall, that’s about it. There’s some chance GTA 5 on PS5 is 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 on Kena: Bridge of Spirits, but the big releases for this final part of the year for Sony are Deathloop and Death 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.
Perhaps Sony will put out one focusing on next year, or at least, highlighting early 2022 with fall 2021. With Sifu and Horizon Forbidden West currently on the early 2022 schedule, that could be a big show. If the God of War appearing at a State of Play rumors are 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 on Horizon and 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 like God of War showed. 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.
Sony has not announced any new State of Plays.