Returnal PS5

PlayStation has an immense back catalogue of valuable IPs, but part of the company's success is its willingness to explore new territory. Through each hardware generation, we've been treated to brand new worlds and characters, and these new ventures have of course been supported by reliable sequels in popular series. It looks like the balance is set to shift, though, with a more even split between new IP and established franchises.

In Sony's investor briefing, one slide focuses on where PlayStation's investment into IP goes. In financial year 2019, the platform holder says 77 per cent was put towards existing properties, with development of new IP seemingly not a priority. However, looking forward, the company forecasts a clean 50/50 split between new and existing IP in financial year 2025.

We're already starting to see evidence of this. Returnal is the first major new IP for PS5, though we've also had the less well-received Destruction AllStars as well. Looking ahead, Sony acquired Haven Studios, a team busy making a new, live service title. Similarly, Deviation Games is partnered with PlayStation on an exclusive new IP, and London Studio, Bend Studio, and others are working on brand new things.

On the other side of the coin, it does mean a slight reduction of investment in existing franchises, but that's not to say we won't be getting sequels anymore. Just this year, we've had Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7, and God of War Ragnarok and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are on the way. Of course, we shouldn't concern ourselves too much about where PlayStation's putting its money, but it looks like we'll be getting a healthy dose of both old and new moving forward. Here's hoping the games themselves remain consistently good.

[source sony.com]