Predicting the PS5 and Xbox Series X Launch Games
Predicting the PS5 and Xbox Series X Launch Games
As we gear up for the launch of both consoles. We wanted to take a look at what gamers can expect to be able to play in terms of PS5 and Xbox Series X launch games. Until late June we expect many publishers to be silent on their details as the fluid situations involving COVID-19 impede everyone’s plans. Keep following us here as well as social media for all of the updates. We have been working with publishers daily to get the details out to everyone as soon as we find out.
Xbox Series X
Halo Infinite
It’s been 19 years since the original Xbox launched with Halo Combat Evolved. Microsoft is hoping to recreate the magic again by launching the Xbox Series X alongside Halo Infinite. The first Halo game in five years. Halo Infinite is right now the only confirmed launch game however, it is unclear if development has been impacted by COVID-19. This has left Xbox head, Phil Spencer, to clarify that the console will launch with or without Halo. Either way, we should be playing Halo Infinite within the launch window.
A Racing Game
Every year in the fall Microsoft releases either a simulation Forza Motorsports game or a more action-based Forza Horizon game. With the exception of last year. We believe that Microsoft took the year off to re-tool for the Xbox Series X launch. It’s unknown if Microsoft will keep the Forza name or rebrand entirely. With that said, we fully expect Microsoft to release a racing sim style game alongside Xbox Series X.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft has already confirmed it’s new Flight Simulator is on track for a 2020 release. It’s also currently under alpha testing on PC. No other game set for next-gen consoles would be better suited to take advantage of the Xbox Series X than Flight Simulator. The game has every airport in the world. As well as, unbelievable photorealistic graphics, 4K and HDR support. Microsoft has been able to showcase Flight Simulator at every major gaming event in 2019. Their inability to confirm a release window even though the game is in alpha makes us think they are saving an announcement.
PlayStation 5
Horizon: Zero Dawn 2
Earlier last year voice actress Janina Gavankar let it slip that she had been doing work on a sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. Of course, a sequel was inevitable, as the game was a total mega-hit. Guerrilla Games must be pretty far along in development, given the fact that voice work was being done for a supporting character. Releasing in Fall 2020 wouldn’t give the game an entire three-year development cycle, it would be much closer to two and a half years. So we expect the marketing around the PS5 to rely heavily on Horizon Zero Dawn 2 but, we just don’t see how it will be ready for launch. The Netherlands (home to the game’s development) is being severely impacted by COVID-19. All this while, they are trying to pass significant milestones. We expect to see Horizon Zero Dawn 2 to fall somewhere in that late spring window Sony loves so much.
An Unannounced Remake(s) from Bluepoint Games
Bluepoint Games based out of Austin, TX is headed by former Metroid Prime devs from Retro Studios. Their previous work has been to port or remaster games to new hardware. They ported Gravity Rush from the Vita to the PS4, Uncharted 1, 2, and 3 from the PS3 to the PS4 in The Uncharted collection. Their last project, and most ambitious, was a complete remake of the legendary PS2 title, Shadow of the Colossus. They have confirmed they are working on another remake for the PS5. Most of the rumors point to it being a remake of Demon Souls. They have made some ominous tweets tying them to Metal Gear Solid (which they have worked on before) as well as Castlevania and Twisted Metal. Bluepoint president Marco Thrush referred to whatever it is as “the big one” so expectations are high.
Godfall
At the 2019 Game Awards, not to top the Xbox Series X announcement, Sony and Gearbox had something of their own. “Looter-Slasher” Godfall. While the game’s trailers and description vibe of a poor man’s Destiny. Godfall is being published by Gearbox the makers of the Borderlands series (a rich man’s Destiny). Any eventual PS5 game event will feature Godfall. There is hope that Gearbox will be able to keep the launch release.
Housemarque Unannounced Game
Housemarque released indie-shoot-em-up Resogun for the launch of the PS4. They are known for games like Nex Machina, Alienation and Super Stardust. In an open letter to fans this year Housemarque CEO ignited speculation by saying,
We are working on our biggest and most ambitious title yet and have amazing support from our yet-to-be announced partner. Our team of almost 80 people is comprised of talented, smart and hard working individuals from all around the world, and it has been invigorating and inspiring to see how this game concept has turned into reality as more and more ideas have formed the basis of a truly incredible product. Despite not knowing if we would even get past the initial stages of pre-production, we have now spent almost three years working on this game, and now we are in full scale production and super excited to reveal more in the coming months.
Given their history with Sony and their inability to talk about their new game, you can connect here that something is in the works. This is probably something that Sony is holding on to for showcasing at an event. Whatever it is, it also sounds like it is pretty far along.
Sony Japan Studios Unannounced Game
When Sony first released details of the PlayStation 5 console to Wired, the game they were using to showcase the controller was something from Sony Japan. Now it’s still up in the air if this will be a tech demo like the Playroom that came with the PS4. Or if this will be a full AAA platformer like PS4 launch title Knack. Both of which Sony Japan Studios word on. I would imagine that if Sony is going to launch a new console with a Demon Souls remake, they must have something else to balance that out. Sony Japan Studios worked on 15 different PS4 games in some capacity, for sure they will have something for the launch window.
Third-Party Developers
Capcom
Last month rumors started to circulate that Capcom has a new mainline Resident Evil game in the works for the spring of 2021. Capcom loves that early year window away from all of the yearly sports games and shooters. The new game is set to bring back the first-person view of Resident Evil 7 which would open the door up for the beloved PSVR support. Capcom would be able to leverage the power of the PS5 to deliver a better visual experience while still being able to support VR.
Another potential release window game from Capcom is Street Fighter VI. The rumors of a potential Street Fighter VI started when it was announced the winner of the Capcom Cup this year would not auto qualify for next year’s tournament. That has always been a sign that the next year’s Capcom Cup would feature a new game. By that time it will have been about 5 years from the last Street Fighter game.
Ubisoft
During a recent earnings call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said that they expect to release five games during the fiscal year of 2021. This runs from April 2020 to March 2021. We already know about Watch Dogs Legion, Rainbow 6 Quarantine, Roller Champions and Gods and Monsters. One of those games will not make it because Jason Schreier, formerly of Kotaku, adds that two of the games will be Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed. This aligns with the hundreds of rumors that Ubisoft is working on a Norse or Viking Assassin’s Creed game.
It’s fair to assume that all of these will be cross-gen games, with at least two of them being ready for the PS5 and Xbox Series X launch. Maybe even a third game We will have to wait and see how Ubisoft outlines their release schedule now that their planned 2020 E3 Press Conference has been canceled. I think that Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs: Legion are locked in as PS5 and Xbox Series X launch games.
Activision
A rumored reboot of the Black Ops series is going to be one of the PS5 and Xbox Series X launch games. Having a “best place to play Call of Duty” is very important to both Sony and Microsoft. Alongside a new Call of Duty, there is rumored to be a brand new Crash Bandicoot game. A now-banned Twitter account correctly claimed last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot was being made, this month’s Modern Warfare 2 Remaster was being made and now they claim Activision is working on brand new Tony Hawk game. As well as a new Crash Bandicoot game. There is no reason to believe that either of these games is launch titles. However, the fact that we have not heard about them yet leads us to believe they might be held back for a certain event for either console.
Electronic Arts
There was probably a canceled Star Wars game slated around here for EA. I don’t think they are going to be able to offer much for the launch of the consoles. Outside of some sort of Apex Legends update or patch. Additionally, there is confirmed to be no new Battlefield game. However, we should be able to hold out hope that Madden and FIFA will be updated for consoles. They did not upgrade NHL13 last generation for the PS4 and Xbox One, that would be a surprise. With COVID-19 related delays, we are not expecting much but, there should be something from EA in terms of PS5 and Xbox Series X launch games.
Take-Two Interactive
Take-Two Interactive is responsible for publishing some of the biggest games in the world. Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto, Borderlands, NBA 2K, and a huge slew of other titles. You can always hold out hope for a patch for Red Dead Redemption 2, Borderlands 3 or Grand Theft Auto 5. In terms of new games, the only thing I think would be a lock for launch would be NBA 2K21. As the NBA season hopes to return in full form next year, it will be a great relief to know that there should be at least one sports game at launch.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
WB could be a worthy leader when it comes to PS5 and Xbox Series X launch games. The WB umbrella of games includes the Lego franchise, Batman, Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat and many others. It has leaked out as E3 was canceled this year so were WB’s plans to have its major event at the convention. Plans that included not one but two major DC games. As well as a Harry Potter AAA RPG. One of these games is the often teased Court of Owls themed Batman game. There should also be something in terms of the yearly Lego games. When the PS4 and Xbox One launched with Lego Marvel Superheros, it elevated the Lego genre to a new hight. A hight that included 155 unique playable Marvel characters.
Square-Enix
Square-Enix is in an unusual situation with the launch of the new consoles. This spring they released the beloved Final Fantasy 7 remake, which could use a PS5 patch. They also have a mega collaboration with Marvel in the form of their upcoming September release of Marvel’s Avengers. We are skeptical that Marvel’s Avengers will be able to release on time. It will be interesting to see how (if at all) Square addresses that in terms of the new consoles. The game should be able to launch 90 days before or after the consoles. So there is some hope of something there. Then there are the already confirmed 3rd-person-shooter Outriders. Square intends to publish Outriders for the launch fo the new consoles. If Marvel’s Avengers get moved into that spot, you could see Outriders getting moved to Q1 2021.
Be sure to check back daily for more updates on the launch of PS5 and Xbox Series X games. Follow us on social media and click the links below for more news related to next-gen consoles.
