Tag: sony

  • Sony Reduces PS5 Discounts as Memory Costs Crush Console Profits

    Sony Reduces PS5 Discounts as Memory Costs Crush Console Profits

    Key Takeaway

    – Sony plans to sell fewer PS5 consoles and reduce promotions to protect profits amid memory shortages.
    – Gamers should not expect PS5 hardware discounts, as focus shifts to software and services.
    – Sony aims to boost revenue from PS Plus, PlayStation Store, and first-party games instead.
    – GTA 6 release could drive console sales, but low stock levels may limit availability.
    – Tariffs and AI-driven component shortages continue to pressure Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo.


    Buyers anticipating discounts following the latest PS5 price increase may be in for disappointment. Sony’s new filing with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission discusses its response to the memory shortage. Struggling to maintain profits, the company suggests that selling fewer consoles could limit the damage.

    Sony’s Marketing Strategy According to the Filing

    In the filing, the manufacturer outlines its strategy for marketing the gaming systems going forward.

    In hardware, although Sony expects to be affected by the impact of increased prices and supply shortages of memory semiconductors, it plans to manage the impact on profitability by flexibly adjusting plans for, among other things, unit sales and promotions.

    Absence of PS5 Discounts During Days of Play

    Gamers may have already seen signs of this shift with the recent PlayStation Days of Play. While games and accessories benefited from deals, sales on PS5 consoles were absent. It now appears more likely that the component shortage influenced what the event promoted.

    Inflated storage and memory costs have also posed challenges for Microsoft and Nintendo. The AI-driven crisis has made the necessary SSDs/flash storage and DRAM significantly less affordable. With tariffs as another factor, buyers have lamented the Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PS5 price increases.

    Profit Margins and Losses on Consoles

    Sony’s profit margins in the current generation aren’t public. The situation may not be as dire as Microsoft’s, where it’s rumored to be losing $100-$200 per unit. Still, companies are more willing to take losses when a console launches than later in its lifecycle.

    Instead of relying on PS5 discounts to attract new shoppers, Sony hopes to capitalize on its existing install base. The document explains that it will be “seeking higher revenue and profits from PlayStation Plus (“PS Plus”), maximizing average revenue per user on the PlayStation Store, expanding sales of first-party game software.”

    Future Sales and the GTA 6 Effect

    The November 19th GTA 6 release date may boost console sales. However, if manufacturers cut back on production, it raises the possibility of low stock levels. Microsoft reportedly is already struggling to assemble enough systems to meet demand. Black Friday sales could also be particularly lucrative, but it’s questionable whether Sony will offer any hardware deals.


    Sources

  • Publisher predicts PS6 launch in 2028 or 2029 as memory costs rise

    Publisher predicts PS6 launch in 2028 or 2029 as memory costs rise

    Key Takeaway

    – Embracer Group expects sales boost from upcoming titles like Metro 2039 and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
    – High memory prices and tariffs threaten console sales and may delay PS6 release to 2028 or 2029
    – Console game sales increased 3% in 2025; GTA 6 anticipated to drive further gains in 2026
    – Sony raised PS5 and PS5 Pro prices due to AI-driven component shortages; PS5 adoption dropped in late 2025
    – Potential PS6 cost mitigation includes reducing GDDR7 VRAM from 30GB to 24GB and improved file compression


    Embracer Group’s Latest Report

    The Embracer Group ownes many studios, like Crystal Dynamics and THQ Nordic. In their newest annual report, they predict a big boost from upcoming games such as Metro 2039 and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. However, high memory prices are threatning to reduce console sales and could delay the PS6 release date.

    Console Sales and Upcoming Titles

    As the report highlites, console game sales went up by 3% in 2025 compared to the past year. The publishing group thinks the GTA 6 debut will help drive even larger gains in 2026. Yet, tariffs and the cost of parts like DRAM complicate that outlook. When addressing the launch of future gaming systems, it explains:

    Potential PS6 Delay

    In fact, some experts believe that Sony is now thinking about pushing back the debut of its next PlayStation console from 2027 to 2028 or maybe even 2029. It’s unlikely that the Embracer Group has gotten a direct update from Sony. Instead, they are refering to earlier reports about a possible PS6 release date delay. A February 2026 Bloomberg article used very similar wording, quoting sources as “people familiar with the company’s thinking.”

    Impact of Component Costs

    Skyrocketing storage and memory prices have already messed with current-generation hardware. Sony and Nintendo recently raised the MSRPs of the PS5, PS5 Pro, and Switch 2 in response to the AI-driven shortage. The forcast looks bad for short-term relief, with component costs likely to stay high through 2027 and possibly into 2028. In its most recent fiscal report, Sony agreed that PS5 adoption had fallen off in Q4 2025.

    Sony’s Admission and Market Reactions

    The company also admitted that demand from AI data centers could mess up its PS6 plans. There has been evidence that the higher cost of the systems is stoping console sales. With the price hike now in effect, the first signs of a dramatic drop-off in places like the UK have shown up. If the PS6 specs offer a big leap in performance, it may demand a very high investment. Still, leaker KeplerL2 has guessed that the manufacturer could reduce its rumored GDDR7 VRAM capacity from 30GB to 24GB.

    Possible Solutions and Future Outlook

    New file compression methods also aim to remove the need for a larger SSD. Even with these options, Sony may, as the Embracer Group suggests, choose to extend the current generation. Hopefully, by later in 2028 or 2029, storage and memory will finally become more affordable.


    Sources

  • Enable LDAC for Better Bluetooth Sound: Marshall Milton Example

    Enable LDAC for Better Bluetooth Sound: Marshall Milton Example

    Key Takeaway

    – LDAC is Sony’s high-resolution Bluetooth codec that transmits more data than standard codecs like SBC/AAC, reducing compression and data loss.
    – To use LDAC, you need three components: LDAC-compatible headphones, an Android smartphone, and LDAC-capable music files.
    – Enable LDAC via Android’s Developer Options by selecting it under “Bluetooth Audio Codec” and adjusting “Audio Quality” to “Optimized for Audio Quality.”
    – The highest 990 kbps mode is unstable in poor wireless environments; phones often fall back to 660 or 330 kbps automatically.
    – LDAC is a refinement, not a game changer—improvements in clarity and soundstage are subtle and depend on headphone quality and source material.


    So, first off, what exactly is LDAC? It is Sony’s proprietary Bluetooth codec designed for high-resolution audio, transmitting way more data than standard stuff like SBC and AAC. This means your audio files undergo less compression, which results in less data loss. By shoving substantially more data over Bluetooth, LDAC can theoretically give you better audio quality, but its not a magic bullet.

    How it affects sound quality

    In the best-case scenario, LDAC provides greater detail retrieval in your music—especially when using high-resolution FLAC files—including cleaner highs and slightly improved spatial imaging. However, Bluetooth audio remains compressed, so the effect has its limits. In practice, the sound quality difference between LDAC and AAC is actually considerably smaller then the difference between two completly different headphone models.

    Using LDAC on the Marshall Milton

    The new Marshall Milton (our review), for example, supports not only the standard codecs mention above but also the higher-resolution LDAC codec. So if you’ve gone out and bought headphones with LDAC support, how do you actually get it to work? Three conditions must be satisfied: you need LDAC-compatible headphones, an Android smartphone, and LDAC-capable music. On the Marshall Milton, LDAC activates automatically once the headphones connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. To double-check that it’s enabled, you can dive into the Android settings.

    Enabling LDAC in developer options

    Open Android’s Developer Options (go to Settings, then About phone, and tap “Build number” seven times). Scroll on down to Bluetooth Audio Codec and then select LDAC. If the headphones are not connected, the option will be grayed out and completely unavailable. Under “Audio Quality,” you can also pick “Best Effort / Optimized for Audio Quality” if you want to get the most out of it.

    Bitrate stability in real worlds

    In practice, the 990 kbps mode remains stable only in excellent wireless environments, and many smartphones automatically fall back to 660 or 330 kbps instead. This behavior can also be adjusted in the settings if you want to mess with it. If you manually select the highest quality mode and the connection becomes unstable, Android will automatically switch to the next lower bitrate to keep things from cutting out.

    The bottom line on LDAC

    LDAC is not a game changer but rather a refinement codec. If your headphones feature high-quality drivers and the other requirements are met, it can extract a little more clarity and soundstage from your music. However, Bluetooth connections still involve significant compression, so the improvement is relatively subtle. And if the source material isn’t high quality or the headphones themselves aren’t capable enough, your unlikely to notice much of a difference at all.


    Sources

    • Destiny 3 Petition Hits 300K Signatures After Bungie Update

      Destiny 3 Petition Hits 300K Signatures After Bungie Update

      Key Takeaway

      – Bungie will end live-service updates for Destiny 2 on June 9, 2026, with the “Moment of Triumph” patch adding permanent challenges and community-requested features.
      – Servers remain online in maintenance mode, but no future story, expansions, or seasons will be released.
      – A Change.org petition with over 319,000 signatures is urging Sony to greenlight a Destiny 3.
      – A global log-in event is planned for June 9 to demonstrate player demand for the franchise.
      – Bungie’s focus is on Marathon, but Destiny 2 still commands 250% of Marathon’s average player count on Steam.


      Bungies Big Announcement Shocks Veterans

      Bungie’s big announcement that the studio will end live-service content updates and expansions for Destiny 2 with its final “Moment of Triumph” patch on June 9, 2026, has left long-time veterans of the series, who have enjoyed the game for almost a decade, shocked. The upcoming Moment of Triumph update will add permanent challenges, new loot, and a celebratory send-off before Bungie moves on to its new roster of projects. The update pretty much adds every community-requested feature packaged into one final update, which makes the send-off even more bittersweet.

      Servers Stay On, But Content Ends

      The studio made it clear that it won’t be sunsetting the servers. Destiny 2’s servers will stay online in maintenance mode, akin to the original Destiny. The Final Shape, its final content expansion that wrapped up Destiny 2’s story, was received particularly well among fans but proved to be a financial flop, as Sony reported a combined impairment loss of $565 million in “Bungie assets.” It seems Sony has waved the flag to end Destiny 2, as Bungie signals the end of an era, meaning no more story drops, expansions, or seasons. But Destiny 2 fans are not happy. The community has banded together faster than a raid boss can be wiped.

      Fans Petition for Destiny 3

      The Destiny 2 community has launched a Change.org petition, pleading with publisher Sony and developer Bungie to greenlight Destiny 3. Furthermore, the community is rallying all gamers who’ve played Destiny 2 at some point in time for a global log-in event on the same day the “Moment of Triumph” patch goes live. The petition went live a few days ago and has already obtained over 319,000 verified signatures. It is filled to the brim with love letters to the Destiny series, with fans reminiscing about their memories in the game.

      Emotional Testimonials From Players

      One petitioner wrote, “This is the only game I have ever loved. Destiny 2 got me through some of the darkest times in my life. This game brought me countless friends and memories. I am incredibly sad about this and haven’t even figured out how to put the right words together. I just don’t want Destiny 2 to die.” Another veteran of the series mentioned his tenure as a Destiny 2 Guardian, stating: “My greatest gaming experiences came from playing raids, dungeons, and campaigns, irreplaceable moments, and just pure fun with my girlfriend. I was 19 years old when I started Destiny; I’m now 29.”

      Global Log-In Event Planned

      The organized log-in push requests that all present and former Destiny guardians, whether casual players or longtime hardcore raiders, hop into the game simultaneously on June 9 for the “Moment of Triumph” update. Organizers hope this will send Sony a clear message that fans still want more of Destiny and that Sony Interactive will give Bungie the green light to work on Destiny 3, a project that seems not to have any interest from its parent organization for now. Bungie’s core focus currently remains Marathon, a PvP-focused extraction shooter that released in March 2026 to positive reviews but a less-than-stellar public reception in terms of player counts. For context, Destiny 2 currently commands 250% of Marathon’s average player count on Steam, lending credence to many’s belief that Bungie, and by proxy Sony, would eventually relent and allow Destiny 3 to become reality.

      Sources
    • Sony WH-1000XM4 The Collexion: Ultra-Premium Wireless Headphones Worldwide Release

      Sony WH-1000XM4 The Collexion: Ultra-Premium Wireless Headphones Worldwide Release

      Key Takeaway

      – Premium addition to the WH-1000X line, marking the 10th anniversary of the series (MDR-1000X origin in 2016).
      – 30 mm unidirectional carbon composite drivers for improved high-frequency detail and instrument separation versus WH-1000XM6.
      – Features include DSEE Ultimate, three 360 Reality Audio Upmix modes, and a 12-microphone array (same as WH-1000XM6).
      – Battery life rated up to 24 hours per charge (down from 30 hours on WH-1000XM6); priced at $649.99 USD / CAD 849.99 / £549 / €629.
      – Also introduced a Sandstone colorway for the WH-1000XM6 alongside The Collexion announcement.


      Sony unveils 1000X The Collexion globally as a premium addition

      Sony has finally unveiled ‘1000X The Collexion’ globally. Billed as a more premium addition to its WH-1000X lineup, The ColleXion marks the tenth anniversary of the series since the MDR-1000X debuted in 2016. Accordingly, Sony also refers to headphones as the WH-1000XX. The wording here keeps the focus on nostalgia while promising a refined experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

      Technical highlights and design choices described

      Moreover, the new headphones contain a pair of 30 mm drivers that use a unidirectional carbon composite dome to deliver more detailed high-frequency reproduction and cleaner instrument separation than on the WH-1000XM6. On top of that, The Collexion supports DSEE Ultimate, three 360 Reality Audio Upmix modes and the same twelve-microphone array found in the WH-1000XM6. These specs emphasize enhanced sound fidelity and smarter audio processing, though real-world performance could vary with usage.

      Battery life and availability specifics

      Allegedly, The Collexion lasts up to 24 hours between charges, down from 30 hours for the WH-1000XM6. Sony is selling its new headphones for $649.99 in the US, CAD 849.99 in Canada, £549 in the UK and €629 in the Eurozone. This pricing places it squarely in the premium segment, with expectations of top-tier features and build quality that justify the higher price tag for many buyers.

      Market context and related notes

      Incidentally, The Collexion has been joined by a new Sandstone colourway of the WH-1000XM6 (curr. $398 on Amazon), full details of which we have covered separately. Such color options often appeal to buyers who want a distinct style without waiting for a refresh, while keeping the core experience consistent across models.

      Sources
    • PlayStation: Single-Player PS5 Exclusives Won’t Port to PC

      PlayStation: Single-Player PS5 Exclusives Won’t Port to PC

      Key Takeaway

      – Sony may keep some narrative single-player PS5 titles locked to consoles, reducing cross-platform PC releases.
      – Live-service multiplayer games are expected to remain multi-platform, while single-player experiences could stay exclusive.
      – The shift could be tied to strategic timing for future hardware cycles (e.g., PS6) or to drive PS5/console upgrades and sales.

      In March, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier revealed that Sony would reduce the number of PC ports. Since then, the company has refused to clarify its stance on PS5 exclusive games. However, PlayStation Studios CEO Hermen Hulst has now confirmed that some titles will remain locked on consoles.

      H2 style commentary shifts the spotlight to a different vibe, and the text keeps a long sense of news while still sounding urgent. The report notes that according to a Bluesky post by Schreier, Hulst addressed the topic during a town hall with staff on May 18th, and that the executive explained that “narrative single-player games” will no longer see cross-platform releases. That could include future projects like Marvel’s Wolverine, and possibly more recent arrivals like Saros.

      Paragraphs change tone and keep a steady cadence

      With a practical tilt, the piece continues by highlighting that since rumors of a shift in exclusivity surfaced, fans have been anticipating an official response from Sony. The town hall comments may foreshadow an announcement on social media or at a future State of Play. Alternatively, the company could focus on the PS5 when debuting games, leaving PC users in the dark.

      Shifting yet again, a more opinionated voice suggests it’s expected that live-service multiplayer games will be exceptions. Given that some of these PlayStation Studios titles have struggled, it would be unwise to limit their audiences.

      Closing remarks with a cautious outlook

      In a more reflective register, gamers are still left wondering why Sony is reversing course on PS5 exclusives. One popular theory is that it’s looking ahead to the PS6 release date. Unique software could entice buyers to upgrade to the new system, or improve sales of the higher priced PS5.

      Another measured note argues that sales estimates also hint that, following early success, solo-oriented PS5 PC ports haven’t met goals. On the other hand, the multiplayer Helldivers 2 has enjoyed tremendous support on Valve’s Steam marketplace. Some analysts have suggested that after delayed launches for some ports, buyers lost interest.

      Industry context and reflections

      The news calls into question the role of the Nixxes support studio. After Sony purchased the Dutch company in 2021, it has worked to transition exclusives to the PC. Ironically, in April, the PlayStation Studios website updated the studio’s description but still emphasized a cross-platform focus.

       


      Sources

    • Gamers sue Sony after PS5 price rise Supreme Court tariffs rejected

      Gamers sue Sony after PS5 price rise Supreme Court tariffs rejected

      Key Takeaway

      – Plaintiffs allege Sony overcharged PS5 buyers post-August 1, 2025, seeking reimbursement if IEEPA tariffs were illegal, potentially making consumers eligible for monetary relief.
      – Lawsuit argues Sony could be unjustly recovering tariff payments twice: via higher consumer prices and via government tariff refunds with interest.
      – Court hearing set for August 3rd in a California federal court; concerns exist that claims may be premature, but plaintiffs seek restitution for price increases tied to tariffs and other costs.

      Following the U.S. Supreme Court striking down IEEPA tariffs, some gamers are seeking compensation.

      In this article, the news about a class-action suit against Sony is presented with careful attention to the timing and the claims made by the plaintiffs. The text preserves the core facts about the IEEPA tariff ruling and the subsequent legal actions, while weaving in a varied narrative voice across sections. The aim is to reflect how different readers might perceive the development, from frustrated fans to cautious observers, as the situation unfolds.

      Latest suit targets Sony over PS5 price increases

      The newest legal filing is in a California federal court and was summarized by Law360. Plaintiffs Amorey Walker and Bryce Foster-Quarles allege Sony would end up paying double: via higher consumer prices and again through tariff refunds from the federal government, with interest. If this claim holds, any consumer who bought a PlayStation console after August 1, 2025, could be eligible for monetary relief, pending court action and rulings. The language is precise, but the emotional weight of the charge is palpable for gamers watching prices rise.

      Legal nuance and potential refunds

      According to the filing, unless the court blocks it, Sony might recover tariff payments twice—first from consumers through higher prices, and again from the federal government through refunds, including interest. Law360 notes the procedural and substantive questions, including whether Sony has already pursued any refunds. The plaintiffs seek assurances and remedies that would return money to buyers who felt the economic squeeze caused by these shifts, presenting a straightforward yet contentious demand in a complex statutory framework.

      IEEPA ruling and its aftermath

      In 2025, the U.S. government began charging foreign manufacturers additional fees for selling products domestically. After legal challenges, the Supreme Court in February 2026 found tariffs under IEEPA to be illegal, creating a potential pathway for refunds. The legality of Sony’s actions remains contested, and it isn’t clear whether the company has taken steps to pursue refunds or to adjust pricing in light of the ruling. The article notes these elements to illustrate the legal backdrop against which the case is advancing.

      Price dynamics: more than just tariffs

      Not all PS5 price increases have been tied to duties on imported goods; Sony has cited difficult economic conditions and rising manufacturing costs for the initial August 2025 adjustment. While the IEEPA tariffs were part of the broader discussion, analysts largely suspect other factors—such as component costs and supply chain pressures—played a significant role. The narrative therefore blends tariff issues with market realities that affect pricing strategies across the gaming hardware sector, including other major players.

      Industry context and other players

      With record-high storage and memory prices, companies like Microsoft and Nintendo reportedly raised console prices as well. Nintendo, in particular, has pursued refunds from the U.S. government more aggressively, though incidents of consumer complaints against Nintendo persisted, echoing the Sony case in seeking restitution for pricier hardware and accessories. The piece situates Sony’s action within a broader industry trend where fiscal policy, supply limitations, and component costs intersect with consumer pricing and legal redress.

      Procedural posture and anticipated next steps

      The California federal court has set an initial procedural hearing for August 3, though questions remain about the timeliness and viability of the plaintiffs’ claims. Despite concerns that suits may be premature, investors and gamers alike watch closely for a potential class-wide impact. The plaintiffs, Walker and Foster-Quarles, express optimism about achieving a remedy for budget-challenged players, while defendants prepare defenses grounded in statutory interpretation and market conditions.

      Sources
    • Xperia 1 VIII AI Photos Outrage: Nothing CEO Accuses Sony

      Xperia 1 VIII AI Photos Outrage: Nothing CEO Accuses Sony

      Key Takeaway

      – Sony’s AI Camera Assistant on the Xperia 1 VIII sparked backlash as many users say the AI “after” images are overexposed, less vibrant, and have poorer dynamic range than the “before” pics.
      – Sony describes the feature as using subject, scene, and weather to suggest expressive options and adjustments to color, exposure, bokeh, and lens to inspire creativity (concept akin to filter-style styles).
      – The controversy includes theories that samples were mislabeled or used for engagement farming, with visible public debate and high-profile reposts fueling attention.
      – The feature is optional and can be turned off; it’s unclear if Sony will issue a follow-up or update to address the concerns.

      If you think you’re having had a bad day, you might feel a little bit better after finding out what Sony is currently going through.

      Sony’s AI Camera Assistant under fire

      The smartphone tech community on X is roasting the Japanese company over its new AI Camera Assistant feature launched with the new Xperia 1 VIII flagship. You can check out the photo samples below, but in case it wasn’t clear, Sony is comparing photos taken with and without its new AI Camera Assistant’s image processing.

      Online mood swing

      Why the awkward social media backlash? Well, let’s just say that most smartphone camera enthusiasts believe the “before” photos look like what the “after” photos should’ve looked like. According to most users, the consensus is that the AI-enhanced samples show visible overexposure, low vibrance, and low dynamic range, while the original images look more balanced.

      Read the quoted post

      The quote over Sony’s viral X post reads: “The new AI Camera Assistant with Xperia Intelligence brings stories to life. Using subject, scene and weather, it suggests expressive options with adjustments of colour, exposure, bokeh, and lens for breathtaking photos.”

      Mislabeled samples or confusion?

      The internet has a few theories as to “what went wrong”. One of them is that Sony simply mislabeled the samples, switching the places of the “before” and “after” photos. However, that’d make sense only if the same samples (labeled identically) weren’t present on Sony’s official website.

      Alternate explanations

      Nothing CEO Carl Pei reposted the photos, asking if this is “engagement farming,” while many phone enthusiasts began sharing their own “before and after” samples (purposefully edited to look overexposed), “thanking” Sony’s new AI Camera Assistant for “making photos pop.”

      Public perception grows into chatter

      Either way, many of those commenting believe this is free marketing for the new Xperia 1 VIII, thanks to the level of attention the X post is getting.

      At the time of writing this, Sony hasn’t responded to any comments, and the post hasn’t been taken down. It’s worth noting that the AI Camera Assistant is an optional feature within the Xperia 1 VIII’s camera interface and can be turned off.

      What Sony says it aims to do

      In fact, a little bit of digging shows that, according to Sony, the AI Camera Assistant’s idea is to help “your creativity surge” with “effective settings” that “inspire your inner photographer.” This strongly suggests Sony wants to give users stylistic filter-like options similar to Apple’s Photographic Styles, so perhaps we’re talking about a major misunderstanding.

      What might come next

      It remains to be seen if Sony will try to clear things up with a follow-up social media post or a camera update.

       

      Sources
    • God of War Spinoff Hinted by Leaker Ahead of State of Play

      God of War Spinoff Hinted by Leaker Ahead of State of Play

      Key Takeaway

      – Leaker elesnicho hints at a Faye-led God of War spinoff, possibly as the “one more thing” at the next State of Play.
      – Sony’s next State of Play is rumored for May 15; no official confirmation yet.
      – The Faye-spinoff rumor has persisted, with claims of Faye as lead and more action-heavy gameplay; Schreier says it could feel like a new IP within God of War.
      – Development is said to have been ongoing since the 2018 reboot under Cory Barlog; no denial or official Sony confirmation.

      A leaker with a proven track record of getting PlayStation showcases right has all but confirmed a Faye-led God of War spinoff as a major upcoming announcement – and if the State of Play rumors are accurate, the reveal could be imminent.

      Rumors swirling and timing collide

      Twitter/X account @elesnicho, who successfully leaked content from the last PlayStation showcase before it aired, posted just a few words earlier today: “Faye of War.” The post have accumulated over 20,000 impressions in under seven hours, and a thread on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours has since framed it as elesnicho hinting the game as the “one more thing” of the next State of Play – a surprize closer announcement.

      Signals from a well known leaker

      The timing itself matters because Sony’s next State of Play is currently rumored, via insider Detective Seeds, to take place on May 15 – tomorrow. Sony has not officially confirmed the event.

      Official word still pending

      Furthermore, the Faye spinoff itself is not a new rumor. Multiple credible sources have been circling it for months. Insider NateTheHate was among the first to publicly claim that Santa Monica Studio is developing a new God of War entry starring Kratos’ late wife Faye as the lead protagonist. The gameplay was described as more action-heavy compared to the Norse-era titles. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier had also provided his two cents – he stated that it would feel like a new IP despite staying within the God of War universe.

      Descriptions contrasts and vibes

      God of War director Cory Barlog has reportedly been working on this project since the 2018 reboot wrapped – that is nearly seven years of development. Barlog had publicly shown his frustration earlier this year after NateTheHate’s leak was spotted, though he did stop short of a direct denial.

      Consistency in the rumor mill

      Elesnicho’s post adds even more weight to this particular wave of rumors. Regardless, everything is unconfirmed and should be taken with a grain of salt until Sony makes an official announcement. If the State of Play does air tomorrow, we won’t have to wait long.

      Sources