For E3 this year, Sony decided to skip the event with PlayStation, as it has done for several years now. While the company hasn't confirmed any equivalent event just yet, it has been rumored for some time now that a State of Play would happen during the summer period. Just a few weeks ago, Sony teased that fans won't have to wait long for a PlayStation-centric event, and now an alleged leak of the next State of Play event is doing the rounds. If the rumors prove to be true, PlayStation fans could be in store for an unmissable event.
The last PlayStation State of Play was in February 2021. This showcase primarily focused on already-announced titles, but it featured the announcement of Sifu and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. A portion of fans considered the last State of Play event to be somewhat disappointing, despite the fresh looks at games like Returnal and Oddworld: Soulstorm. The State of Play exhibition that's rumored for July could be a huge deal for PlayStation fans. While all rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, it might be difficult for PlayStation gamers not to be excited about what could take place in July.
Ghost of Ikishima
One of the most notable rumors heading into the next State of Play is that standalone expansion to Ghost of Tsushima, called Ghost of Ikishima, will be revealed. The game is said to be similar to Spider-Man: Miles Morales in how it's being handled, and it's reportedly set to be released in 2021. A PlayStation State of Play event could be the perfect time to show off the game. It's unclear if Ghost of Ikishima will arrive on PS5, though if it appears at the State of Play in July, its release platforms could be clarified.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut
The reportedly PS5 exclusive Death Stranding: Director's Cut has been rumored for an appearance at the State of Play. The new version of Death Stranding was unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2021, and that a full reveal would come in a few weeks. The timing of this could line up perfectly with the rumored State of Play event for July. If the PlayStation showcase does take place on July 8, fans could comfortably expect that Death Stranding: Director's Cut could make an appearance.
God of War: Ragnarok
The source of the July State of Play leaks is a Twitter user known as Shpeshal_Nick. While they are primarily known for leaking Xbox news, the user has leaked several reveals for the State of Play rumored for July 8. One of the most exciting rumors for fans is that the next God of War game could have a gameplay reveal.
The last news on God of War: Ragnarok came just a few weeks ago when it was officially delayed in 2022. With this in mind, it could seem unlikely to some God of War fans that it'll have its gameplay revealed so soon after the delay. While this is effectively an unverified rumor connected to another unverified rumor, God of War fans are still excited to see if the gameplay will be revealed on July 8.
State of Play's Surprise
Speshal_Nick has also mentioned there is one big surprise ready for the July 8 State of Play. They would go on to mention that it hasn't been spoiled and, hopefully, it won't be. This has naturally led to some speculation among fans, and there are several possibilities. PS5 has more than 25 exclusive games, which is an impressive number.
The big surprise at the event could be related to one of these games, and there have been rumors of everything from a new Uncharted game, a Bloodborne successor, and even a remake of The Last of Us. Almost half of the new PS5 games are said to be new IPs, which could mean there is an equal chance of seeing something fresh as much as a familiar franchise.
If the rumors prove to be true, it could be an exciting State of Play on July 8 for gamers. Sony hasn't made an official statement on the next State of Play yet, so the rumors shouldn't be taken as confirmation. With Ghost of Ikishima, God of War: Ragnarok , and Death Stranding: Director's Cut allegedly set for appearances, it could be the most memorable State of Play event in some time. Hopefully, for PlayStation gamers, these rumors turn out to be accurate come July 8.
