Rumour: inFAMOUS: Second Son Is a PlayStation 4 Launch Title

Holy smokes

by Sammy Barker Fri 22nd Mar 2013

Unlike confirmed launch titles such as Killzone: Shadow Fall, developer Sucker Punch opted to introduce inFAMOUS: Second Son with a cinematic trailer during last month's big PlayStation 4 coming out party, giving the impression that the game is still some way off – but that may not actually be the case. Siliconera has dug up a couple of resumes for the next generation sequel, each pointing to a 2013 release.

According to graphics programmer Nathan Reed, the game is a “launch title” for Sony’s impending machine, set to ship in Q4 2013. We’re assuming he’s not referring to the business calendar. Just to reinforce the rumour, senior sound designer Andy Martin also alludes to the 2013 timeline on his Linked In profile.

Additionally, Reed’s resume includes a couple of interesting tidbits about the open world adventure. Firstly, it will take advantage of high dynamic range imaging for lighting and various visual effects. It will also include a real-time “wetness” system (whoa, tiger!), which will add lifelike puddles to the title’s grungy Seattle setting.

Apparently, motion capture work for facial animations is being handled by Digital Domain, a media company who previously worked on in-game cinematics and teaser trailers for The Darkness II and Killzone 3. If you’d like to learn a little more about what we expect from inFAMOUS: Second Son, point your peepers at our speculation feature through here.

[source reedbeta.com, via linkedin.com, siliconera.com]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
get2sammyb
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

As undeniably exciting as this would be, I think that Sony should focus on Killzone: Shadow Fall and DriveClub for launch. Do not let the "software drought" complaints take hold. They have enough first-party studios to bang out a "hit" every quarter after launch.

Furthermore, I don't think Microsoft will have the first-party firepower to compete with that. If you blow your load on launch day, people will quickly forget. Look at the Vita.

2
GRIFFEN14
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

This has to be my most anticipated game for PS4. I am a huge fan of the inFAMOUS series and i feel like it is a really underrated series. I would love for it to be a launch title, but like Sammy said, it might be best to just hold off a bit in order to have a good flow of games coming to the system.

3
JavierYHL
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

i think unlike the vita,the ps4 will have enough third party support to keep software coming mth after mth...

4
InsertNameHere
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

I think they should let Shadow Fall and Knack get some attention early on, then Second Son can pick up any slack.

5
RobbEJay
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

I really hope by "launch title" that they're referring to the launch window, rather than the release day. Console launches are hard enough on consumers' wallets as it is, Sony doesn't need their own games competing against each other too.

Having a Wetness" system and being set in Seattle, I really don't know how to respond to that. It certainly gets pretty damp around here though.

6
rjejr
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

@get2sammyb = If you blow your load on launch day, people will quickly forget. Look at the Vita.

Don't need to go back that far, the Wii U has only been out 4 months. Nice of you not to kick it while it's down though. Down, down, way down.

Writing about wetness and blowing your load in one article makes me think somebody needs to step away from the gaming consoles for the weekend. Maybe go read a book. I hear 50 Shades of Grey is good.

7
3Above
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

Sammy makes a great point but..... I WANT TO PLAY SECOND SON SOOOOO BAD!!!!!! I think the 4 games we saw first ( Knack, Shadow Fall, Second Son and DriveClub ) will be launch day, and others like ahem TLG Uncharted 4 The Witness and whatever Anta Monica Studios is doing will be months out from launch. I still hope for Versus/FF15 to be launch though. Wishful thinking.

8
Gemuarto
Sat 23rd Mar 2013

Vita had only one solid first party game on launch. It was Uncharted. Don't remember anything else. The second solid first party game was Gravity Rush, and it went out three month after Vita's launch. That delay didn't save anything.