We’re not going to lie to you: Sony’s attendance at Paris Games Week this year has taken us by surprise. The platform holder appears to be plotting a bumper press conference with a pre-show and traditional media briefing – but we’re not sure how the event slots into the organisation’s plans. Earlier this year we suggested that PSX may be slowly becoming the premier venue for PlayStation announcements – especially after E3 2017 fell short of expectations – but with the organisation set to descend on Anaheim little over a month after its jaunt in the French capital, it makes predictions very difficult indeed.
Historically, the Japanese giant’s European briefings have spotlighted the less-publicised parts of its Worldwide Studios, while also emphasising indie content and experimental initiatives, such as PlayStation Move. As such, we’re betting on this show revealing the broader aspects of the PS4, with PlayStation VR, indie titles, and other projects like PlayLink taking centre stage. Now it’s perfectly possible that the manufacturer may throw a curveball and bring out its big guns like God of War and The Last of Us: Part II, but – in our opinion – such colossus titles would probably fit the PSX 2017 stage better.
That said, earlier today the manufacturer announced that it will be providing updates on a whopping 21 titles during the presser's pre-show alone – and seven of them will be all-new announcements. It's also been spouting hype-inducing phrases such as "E3 was only half the story". What follows are our (somewhat conservative) predictions for PlayStation at PGW 2017 – but it's starting to sound like we may have been a little too reserved with our speculation.
The big plunge
Everything about this press conference screams price drop to us. The timing is perfect: the busy holiday shopping is about to get underway, and it’s been a while since Sony re-evaluated the MSRP of its flagship machines. There’s also the small matter of the Xbox One X releasing a week or so after the press conference itself – an event unlikely to concern the PlayStation maker, but something that could work in its favour.
So realistically, how low will it go? We could see the base PS4 Slim dropping from $299.99 to $249.99, giving it room to hit the all-important $199.99 target on Black Friday. And we also suspect the manufacturer will want to keep that $100 differential with the PS4 Pro, so we imagine the premium model will plunge from $399.99 to $349.99. It’s worth noting that we’re talking specifically about MSRP prices here: retailers will likely have promotions that push prices even lower as we head into the holidays.
Human condition
Quantic Dream is based in Paris, so we reckon it’s just about as likely as the sun rising that David Cage and crew will take Detroit: Become Human to the PGW 2017 stage at some point. We’ve seen a handful of scenarios from the ambitious sci-fi story thus far, but with the project surely nearing completion, there’s always opportunity for one more. And could we get a release date? It seems like a long-shot, but it depends how early in 2018 the title’s due.
Dreams a little dream for me
It’s been almost a year since we got an update on Dreams, the bizarre imagination simulation from Media Molecule. It’s become clear that this game was simply announced too early: the Guildford-based developer has built an impressive toolset, but it’s yet to effectively communicate what can be done with said interactive instruments.
We know that, about 18 months ago, the studio started work on a single player campaign created entirely within its own engine. In our opinion, PGW 2017 is the venue where it will reveal what it’s been up to, and essentially re-introduce the game. Such outlandish concepts like this will always take time and effort to effectively communicate, but Sony has had plenty of time to plan out exactly how it intends to market this game – and an effective re-reveal will likely be the first step on that roadmap.
Born to be WiLD
Beyond Good & Evil 2 is in development (apparently), but Michel Ancel has repeatedly reiterated that WiLD is not dead. This game has been a constant at various European PlayStation press conferences for many years, despite never appearing to really make much progress. But it’s shown real promise with each new trailer, and given that it’s in production in Montpellier, a Paris Games Week appearance seems inevitable, doesn’t it?
VRtual reality
PlayStation VR is going nowhere. Sony has laid to rest any concerns regarding its commitment to virtual reality, and PGW 2017 seems like another venue for it to double down on support for the system. We expect to see several new announcements from partners all over Europe, but wouldn’t be surprised if it also took the opportunity to reveal some first-party projects, too.
We already know that the likes of London Studio and the newly established Manchester Studio are beavering away on new projects for the peripheral, and PGW 2017 would probably represent a good place to debut them, ahead of a public hands on sessions at PSX 2017 later in the year. Exactly what these games will be about is anyone’s guess.
Chill pill
We’ve seen practically nothing of Guerrilla Games’ first Horizon: Zero Dawn expansion, The Frozen Wilds. As such, it simply has to make its debut at some point, and what better way to reveal Aloy’s latest adventure than on stage a week ahead of release?
Indie house
Sony was roundly criticised at E3 2017 for relegating indie announcements to its pre-show, and some even moved to question the platform holder’s commitment to smaller studios in the wake of ill-advised comments from bigwig Jim Ryan. But despite all of this, the PS4 remains a haven for great indie content, and amid mounting enthusiasm for the Switch, we reckon it’ll want to reiterate that mantra at PGW 2017.
So what games could we see shown off? Golf Story would certainly be a good get, although the extent of its relationship with Nintendo remains unclear at the time of typing. A Hat in Time is already confirmed for the PS4, but a re-commitment to its console release would also be welcome. Outside of that? Your guess is as good as ours.
Plus what?
This is one of those strange months where the November PlayStation Plus update won’t technically be announced until Wednesday, 1st November if the platform holder follows its usual schedule. But if it’s got a big month lined up, why wait until the middle of the week? It could just reveal the Instant Game Collection on stage. It’s done this at Gamescom before, so we could certainly see history repeat itself – but only if the selection is strong.
Third-party
Ah, the constant that you can count on at every PlayStation press conference: third-party marketing deals. At this point it’s pretty obvious that Sony is contractually obliged to promote titles like Star Wars Battlefront 2 and Call of Duty: WWII wherever it can, so you can bank on new trailers and reveals for both titles.
We’d also expect to see more of Monster Hunter: World during the Japanese giant’s PGW 2017 briefing. While the game has been shown off quite a lot of late, it’s worth remembering that it’s due out in January, so any opportunities for new trailers are going to be part of Capcom’s promotional plan. Don’t be surprised if that lovely limited edition PS4 Pro gets revealed for the West.
Wander what’s next?
Last but not least, Shadow of the Colossus has been popping up on a fair few ratings boards of late, suggesting that the title is further along than many think. We actually reckon this will release in early January, and PGW 2017 seems like the right venue to confirm that tidbit, but for unleashing the remake on the masses at PSX 2017 later in the year.
What do you think of our PGW 2017 predictions? Have we played it too safe, or are we right to align expectations this way? Do you think there’ll be more to the press conference than what we’ve outlined above, and have we missed off anything big? Sucker punch us in the comments section below.
Comments 78
Oh dear Gooood if they Announce BloodBorne 2.
I predict they'll show games.
Betcha $10 I'm right.
Tyler Malka walks on stage, announces a sequel to NeoGAF, everybody starts sweating buckets and then Tyler follows them into the shower.
EA turn over a new leaf and unveil SSX and Command and Conquer installments in the spirit of the originals word up son!
Pretty sure WiLD was just a fever dream we all happened to have at the same time.
@Acquiescence 😂😂😂
No idea what to expect, but I'm keeping my expectations low. Release dates and new trailers. I think that any substantial will be saved for PSX.
@get2sammyb What's that Media Molecule game you're talking about?
@ShogunRok I'd argue that point but I have had dreams about finding giant naked ladies in trees.
I expect big bangers, as it's Sony last event before MS launches XBox 1 X. They might need somethings to distract it by reveiling new games which we haven't seen at all or games we thought would be dead.
Dreams
Wild
Maybe Deep Down +Fingers-Crossed
There's already some good pro deals about. Sainsburys have it for £349 with 2 controllers and 5 games. I think game has a similar deal too.
I'm really looking forward to this conference being a big quantic dream fan.
I really hope Dreams will be there. Having watched a bunch of their live streams on the game, I’m really excited to see the progress they’ve made since the last public showing. The toolset they’ve built looks incredibly powerful from what I’ve seen.
that's it no surprise announcements what.sly Cooper 5 shenmue hd collection.parasite eve 4.come on .I do agree about the price drop for ps4 pro but 300$ is better word up son
@JAMes-BroWWWn I agree sucker punch new game.Japan studio new game.sly Cooper 5word up son
@playstation1995 Word up, son.
@DLB3 True, I keep forgetting they're a first party studio assuming they're still even active. I liked Entwined, but it's been over 3 years now.
A Hat in Time release date and announcement of a physical release would be a dream. Speaking of which, I'm confident it will be there, and I'm looking forward to hearing some more substantial news of Dreams.
I hope that price drop comes true , I'm getting another PS4 in December cause I'm sick of sharing my PS with the little bro! Besides we're gonna need another system to play MH: World together = )
@playstation1995 I'm looking forward to Japan Studio's new announcement (as I always am), but I doubt PGW, maybe PSX if we're lucky. Sorry son.
just show me something on the FFVII Remake and i'll be happy
@ShogunRok I have been waiting for more info on this game for ages. I think the last time we saw gameplay was PGW 2 years ago. Surely they have to be close to release soon.
@DLB3 I can see one vague tweet from a year ago. At least it's something
Elevator Action coming to the PS4 is all I need.
@ThroughTheIris56 hahaha no doubt word up son.I believe sly Cooper will be announce
@get2sammyb word up son.I believe the ps4 pro will be 300$ a price drop before x box x
and Just found the answer to the Golf Story thing
They simply said they have no current plans to bring it to PS4/Xbox One... but hey PS4 does have Everybody’s Golf.
@oatmealwarrior92 Nice, I suspect they'll be some AMAZING deals over the Black Friday period.
There probably will be a PS4 price drop. In the UK we should easily see Slim consoles going for £150 (maybe even less if the retailer is feeling ambitious) around Black Friday. It wasn't far off that last year!
In terms of games, I agree that the show's proximity to Playstation Experience means this probably won't be a particularly exciting event with lots of new things. Maybe next year they won't bother, but it's nice to have a European-centric event. Hope they do show Dreams though.
All I expect is just a surprise simple as that nothing less nothing more if it’s just more info on stuff we already know about well... I suppose it depends on the game...
I feel like if everyone ended their sentences with 'word up son' the world would be a much happier place.
As for games...I'm sure there will be a lot that will appeal to me, but I'm looking forward to Dreams.
I can't shake this niggling feeling that the story mode will be incredible. How cool would it be if you play through classic PlayStation moments in Dreams...and in VR!
Stay safe & healthy PushSquare Fam. Word up son.
Can I just say I am absolutely loving the overuse of the phrase “word up son”.
Keep up the good work, everyone.
Word up son
@Quintumply word up son!
I hope there's going to be a pro price drop. I might need one soon
@Quintumply yeah word up son.that's the way we talk in new York.hahaha
@Fight_Teza_Fight yeah I'm looking forward to dreams myself.the single player .like the late great macho man Randy savage oh yeah.and Sony give me sly Cooper 5 .word up son
@kyleforrester87 hahaha snakeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.I love metal gear.word up son.
@playstation1995 ooooohh yeahh!
I think you should trademark word up son.
Think you've got something going here.
I'd like a Sly Cooper remake actually. Missed out on the originals.
It's crazy the fact that Sony still has two conferences this year, I'm also trying to control my hype, lol. I would be satisfied with more footages of God of War, Spider-Man, Days Gone and Detroit, hope for a release date as well.
Really want to see more of Dreams and Wild too.
Btw, Insomniac said recently that they are looking for a publisher to release Sunset Overdrive 2.
Edit: I forgot to say "word up son".
@Hapuc Don't go too big
Kaz Hirai walks on stage screaming about giant enemy crabs, riiiiiiiiiidge racers, and the poorly conceived spice girls movie tie in for the ps1.
Lights begin to flash on screens behind him, the lights coalesce into the words "backwards compatibility" as the deafening sound of the ps1 start up screen blares from the PA.
The audience goes nuts, screaming in unison as it is finally announced....
All PS4 systems will now be able to play ps1 classics in a subscription service costing 20 quid a month that doesn't work correctly, and even then only in three European territories and one US state.
Bloodborne 2 doesn't get announced.
Word up, my sons.
Word up.
@Fight_Teza_Fight hahaha you right.have it on a t shirt.front and back .yeah love my sly Cooper games word up son
@PS_Nation hahaha word up son I say for you ratchet.probably the best looking ps4 games
Crash Team Racing and FFVIII remasters announced and available to buy during that week.
Also, any chance of PSASBR2 ever happening. Not even at PGW, just generally?
@ThroughTheIris56 I would actually be pretty happy if Sony gave a mascot brawler another go. It had its problems but All-Stars was a better game than a lot of people gave it credit for.
@Quintumply they’d have to change it up but also differentiate itself from Super Smash Bros or it will get criticized as a Inferior/Mere Smash Clone... again
Dunno how Sony is w eSports w thier own 1st party stuff...
@ThroughTheIris56 It's unlikely, I think. I did do an article on this a while back, though: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2017/04/poll_should_sony_make_a_playstation_all-stars_battle_royale_sequel
Man don't get my hopes up with that Monster Hunter World PS Pro edition. If it's announced for the West it's a day 1 preorder for me. It looks gorgeous and I've been waiting on a good Pro bundle.
Could this be the return of Cooper?
Maybe new, unnanounced games to leave the PSX with the strong lineup of 2018?
@hadlee73 Yeah, I feel the same, and I think that's a smart attitude to go in with. At least if expectations are properly aligned it's harder to come away disappointed.
@get2sammyb @Quintumply
If Sony will just follow our Push Square character tournament, we’ve laid the groundwork for the roster for the All-Stars Battle Royale sequel. @Shogunrok should get royalties.
And as far as PGW, I’ll take any new updates on Cyberpunk 2077.
No price drop for the PS4 Pro. There is no incentive for that since the Xbox One X is already 100 buck expensive.
I think PS4 Pro bundles is the way to go (specially if you bundle with Horizon: Zero Dawn).
A new Tony Hawk game...haha
Timesplitters Rewind coming to PS4 please. Thanks.
@HungryWolf Certainly possible. Value adds like bundled games can sometimes be as powerful as price drops, and Horizon would be a strong pack-in.
@Th3solution Agreed, feature all 128 characters or no buy.
Please show that deep down is not dead.. or just show a new dragons dogma. Hopefully wild will be on stage with a release date march 2018 thanks!
..surely one of the big sections will be a lot more of Spiderman? Arguably Sony's largest exclusive in a loooooong time...
@1ManAndHisDroid I’d imagine that Spider-Man will be at PSX, if anything, but you never know!
A Gran Turismo 7 announcement would be nice
@ThroughTheIris56 have you played Capcoms Power Stone on Dreamcast? It boggles me that they haven’t tried to keep that going. It could genuinely contend with SSB. A PS4 sequel is on my list of don’t-get-your-hopes-up dream announcements. It could happen... crash bandicoot remaster and FF7 remake were on that list too!
@legalstep word up son! They need to repent and make amends for that disaster last year.
@twinspectre90
Expectations in Check
PS4 exclusive Red Dead bundle with free hat #wus
Any of this stuff would be great, but the thing I want most is Bloodborne 2. Please?
Personally, I think these predictions are pretty realistic. Again, I see some commentators expecting some bombshells but I just don't see it at this particular show.
If they have anything huge I imagine it will be announced at PSX.
@IanDavid I haven't played it, but I've heard other people mention it as well so it might be a good idea. And your track record makes me hopeful about PSASBR2
Updated slightly and added video.
@1ManAndHisDroid uh they just had three big name exclusives drop this year in horizon,uncharted lost legacy and a little thing called gt sport
@SegaBlueSky I'm dying for that to be announced but if it is it def won't be at Pgw it will either be psx or e3
Just give me a God of War release date so I know how long I have to get through my backlog!
MEH
I don`t know why i`m not exited for this. maybe because we all know the real deal will be at PSX .
any way can`t wait for Detroit release date
and maybe some news about dreams! long time passed and there is not even a news from MM . i feel worried about this game and i want to see something new and creative again
i want something more interesting than that boring E3 so i think i should wait until psx...
ICO will be remastered to and adder to the package that would be awsome. 😉
@1ManAndHisDroid I found Horizon a bigger bombshell personally.
Konami changes it ways and releases HD remakes of suikoden 1-5 and tactics and release a playable demo of suikoden 6.
World peace breaks out immediately.
I think the big surprise for the con will be a release date for GoW IV. Most likely in March/April of 2018
I've read on some PSVR forum a guy, who seemed to be an insider, who claimed that "fans of a certain SF franchise will just go nutz".
So, maybe it's all fake and all, but it also could indicate a VR mode for Star Wars Battlefront 2 (EA is totally silent on this, for the moment)... I bet it would be far more ambitious than the single one mission we had on the first episode : cause as fantastic as it was, it was short.
Can you imagine an annoucement like : "all flying missions or flying matches will be VR compatible !". It would definitly seal the deal for me.
There is talk that Sony leaked the 'Planet of the Apes' game so I wonder if that will be one of the new reveals we are expecting?
Full Star Wars VR game building on the amazing Battlefront experience we got last year.
E3 was shocking this year. Lest hope they saved all their eggs for this basket. A £50 drop in rpice for PSVR will be nice and I would pick one of those up on Black Friday. Aprt from that I want PS5 but thats not going to happen. I also want The Getaway but looks like thats dead in the water after they put on the tech demo thing on VR Worlds.
Tap here to load 78 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...