With summer arriving soon, many gamers are looking forward to the plethora of events set to take place.E3 2023 may be canceled, but Summer Game Fest begins June 8, Microsoft and Bethesda are hosting a showcase and a separate Starfield Direct on June 11, and a Ubisoft Forward is confirmed for June 12. Summer Game Fest attendees, individual presentations, and other events are likely to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Of course, perhaps one of the most hyped-up and rumored events is aPlayStation Showcase, as fans did not receive an event throughout 2022.Rumor has it that Sony ditchedPlayStation Showcase in 2022 because of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard King acquisition, with Sony understandably not wanting to give Microsoft more ammo against it. However, the latest updates basically make the acquisition seem like a done deal, so there’s no reason for Sony to hold back. In fact, known insider and reporter Jeff Grubb’s Game Mess Schedule suggests a PlayStation Showcase will take place before Summer Game Fest. That doesn’t really come as a surprise, for a few reasons, and fans may have a couple of ideas as to what will be there.RELATED:Sony Criticizes CMA’s ‘Irrational’ Decision on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition
When to Expect the PlayStation Showcase
Of course, “before Summer Game Fest” could mean anytime between now and June 8, but late May or very early June make the most sense for two reasons. The first is Sony typically announces an event the caliber of aPlayStation Showcaseabout a week ahead of time. State of Plays are usually announced two days ahead of time because they are smaller in scale; therefore, Sony needs time to accurately plan, set up, and announce the event, beyond whatever initial plans have already begun. The second is that Sony typically wants to stand out from other events, meaning it doesn’t necessarily have to wait for that busy week of June to fill, but it is going to choose wisely.
Furthermore, it should be noted that, historically speaking, most Sony presentations (either State of Plays or PlayStation Showcases) take place on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Therefore, the likeliest dates for the upcoming PS Showcase would be one of the following:
While it’s hard to predict which of these is the likeliest date, indeed if any of them, it’s hard to ignore June 1 as a possible date. Not only is it a Thursday, but it is the first day of a month and allows it to get out information at least a week or so before other presentations. It still stands out, while seemingly being involved (or leading) the other events.
What Games to Expect At the PlayStation Showcase
Of course, for many folks, it won’t be so muchwhenthe event is, butwhatis shown there. The safest bet, which isn’t usually a safe bet, isMarvel’s Spider-Man 2. Rumors suggest a September release date, but no matter what, it is Sony’s flagship title for the year. With little in the way of marketing so far, Sony will want to get it in front of a crowd ahead of its release later this year.
The PS VR2 will likely get some screen time during the event, but it may be to a reduced degree. Sony spent plenty of time earlier this year promoting it, and reportedly sales are not what the gaming giant wants. That’s not to say it’ll be abandoned at the event, just shown to a less degree. It’s also possible hardware like thePS5 Slim, or the hardware said to have a detachable drive, makes an appearance.
Beyond that, expectations should be tempered a little bit, but here are some other games that could very well appear. Plenty of smaller third-party games will likely grace the showcase too, but considering known projects/PS exclusives and studios under the PlayStation umbrella, there are plenty of possibilities. Not to mention, Sony is sure to have a few surprises planned for a proper PlayStation Showcase too.
