Here on Push Square, we’re continuing a cherished custom by kicking off the new year (a little over a week behind schedule) with a flurry of PlayStation predictions. Our talented editorial team has gathered together to express their aspirations and expectations for the upcoming 12 months.
frankly speaking, my forecasts can sometimes veer from informed speculation to outright folly, so don’t hesitate to raise an eyebrow or two while going over them.
Now then, let’s get started…
Aaron Bayne, Video Producer
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet gameplay is revealed, plus a 2026 release window
It’s possible that I’m being a bit overly hopeful, but it seems like we might get a glimpse of the gameplay for Naughty Dog’s upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, this year. If all goes as planned, the game could be released in 2026.
In contrast to the two-year gap between its initial announcement and release for “The Last of Us Part 2”, it appears that development on this upcoming title might be progressing more swiftly. Given that work on The Last of Us Multiplayer was abandoned, allowing for additional resources, and taking note of the final moments in the recent gameplay reveal trailer which bear a striking resemblance to actual gameplay footage, I have a hunch we may be seeing this game sooner rather than later.
It’s quite probable that Sony will reveal the gameplay for their upcoming project after the release of Ghost of Yotei, which is expected towards the end of this year. One of the initial Sony projects slated for release in 2026 could be Intergalactic.
PS Portal will get an OLED version
I suspect that Sony might introduce an OLED model for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Given its unexpected popularity, it has already been enhanced with special editions like the 30th Anniversary version, cloud streaming capability, and recently unveiled Midnight Black edition. Considering the LCD screen is the apparent area for improvement, even though it’s a good display as is, I think an upgrade could be on the horizon.
It’s clear that a top-notch OLED screen significantly improves the user experience, as demonstrated by devices such as the Nintendo Switch OLED and Steam Deck OLED today, and even the PS Vita in the past. The challenge lies in the fact that the Portal is already priced high, and an OLED version could potentially cost around £300 or even more. This isn’t necessarily a concern for Sony, given their history of launching premium devices like the PS5 Pro.
Opinion on the PS5 Pro will shift as more games benefit from it
As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I must admit that one of the challenges I encountered with the PS5 Pro upon its debut was the practice of retroactively enhancing games that had already been released. A 60fps upgrade or increased resolution on a game I’ve previously played doesn’t quite have the same allure as boosting the performance of the latest releases.
By 2025, it’s likely that the true power of the Pro will shine as most games will be optimized with Pro updates, improving frame rates and resolution, thereby making the Pro a much more enticing purchase option.
History indicates that towards the end of this generation, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) may be pushed to its maximum potential. Already, major games such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds are being confirmed with day-one performance patches for the Pro version, enhancing their gameplay experiences. I anticipate that we’ll witness an increasing number of big releases that may not deliver the desired graphical or performance power on the standard PS5 compared to the Pro model. This trend might shift the perception from “unnecessary upgrade” to a “must-have” for those seeking the optimal experience with the latest console titles.
If Grand Theft Auto 6 is released this year, it might push many individuals to their limits.
Khayl Adam, News Reporter
PlayStation enters an unprecedented new golden age
Sony is currently thriving financially, even with one hand apparently tied behind its back due to this generation’s impressive first-party game releases. Factors contributing to this success include the apparent withdrawal of Sony’s main competitor in the console market. Microsoft’s decision to allow some of its most valuable intellectual properties to be ported to PlayStation could mark a turning point in the console wars, giving the impression that Xbox fans are gradually losing interest.
On social media, many influential accounts have already made the switch to PlayStation 5, and it seems this trend will accelerate as more games continue to move over and dedicated Xbox enthusiasts, feeling abandoned, start to surrender their allegiance in 2025.
1 Title Suggestion: Anticipated Releases: Ghost of Yotei 2 & Death Stranding on the Beach – A Console-Shaking Duo
Both Ghost of Yotei 2 and Death Stranding on the Beach are highly anticipated games that promise to be outstanding. These titles could potentially boost console sales. However, as for GTA 6, it’s not yet confirmed for release, so it’s unlikely that people will rush out to buy an Xbox in 2025 just for it.
Judas is released in Q1 2025, and it’s the true successor to BioShock
For quite some time now, Ken Levine and his colleagues at Ghost Story Games have been meticulously crafting the game titled Judas. The excitement surrounding its release is palpable, but I’m confident that my own expectations will be surpassed in this case. I sense that they’ve been carefully simmering ideas, and when Judas finally debuts, it could very well dethrone even BioShock’s iconic “Would you kindly” moment as a mind-blowing experience, earning itself a place on the highest pedestal.
It appears to me that the release date for this game might be closer than many of us anticipate. Although 2025 is a possibility, Take-Two Interactive, the game’s publisher, expects some financial gain from it before April 1st next year. With the deadline rapidly approaching, I believe we may still witness a reveal and release within the following months.
Liam Croft, Assistant Editor
Resident Evil 9 is announced for a 2026 launch
In strong conviction, I am prepared to wager a substantial amount of money on a prediction I have regarding the Resident Evil series, specifically focusing on potential remakes rather than new installments. My hypothesis is for the upcoming years, especially 2025.
Or more casually: I’m pretty certain about this Resident Evil prediction that I’d put my money on it! It’s not about new games but rather possible remakes, and here’s what I think will happen in 2025.
Capcom is set to unveil Resident Evil 9, but you won’t be able to play it until the early part of 2026. The title will likely carry a subtitle similar to Resident Evil Village, and I can’t wait to see how they incorporate “IX” into the name creatively. They might opt for a name that starts with “Ix” or includes those two letters in another way. How about Resident Evil Blend as a potential title?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach earns the highest Metacritic rating of any PS5 game released this year
Over time, Death Stranding, initially a game that left many puzzled after its initial PS4 launch, has gained appreciation. Its original version now boasts an 82 Metacritic rating, climbing to 85 with the Director’s Cut on PS5. Six years later, I believe we all have a clearer understanding of Hideo Kojima’s vision for the series. Consequently, Death Stranding 2 is likely to be more warmly received than its predecessor.
Based on my estimation, this upcoming game will likely be so exceptional that it could potentially hold the record for the highest-rated game on Metacritic by the end of 2025. In essence, I’m implying that the release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 may be pushed back to 2026.
Hollow Knight: Silksong releases
After a long wait spanning over several years, Team Cherry is finally back with the anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, which was first unveiled in February 2019. While it might not meet the six-year high expectations and hopes, I’m confident that it will still be an excellent game.
Robert Ramsey, Assistant Editor
Starfield comes to PS5 as some kind of complete edition later in the year
2024 seemed like a prelude, almost like Microsoft dipping its toes into the idea of bringing Xbox games to PlayStation. Looking ahead, I’ve got a feeling that 2025 will be bursting with news about these cross-platform ports.
Among the highly anticipated games, I believe Starfield – the sci-fi RPG from Bethesda with mixed reactions – will likely stand out. Whether it receives a second expansion or not isn’t certain yet, but there’s a strong possibility that a comprehensive or definitive version of the game will be released on all platforms, including PS5.
If this turn out to be real, it’d certainly be intriguing to observe the response from PlayStation enthusiasts. However, I suspect there might also be other game port announcements surrounding it, which could soften the impact a bit.
Jin Sakai will be playable in Ghost of Yotei (through a flashback sequence)
Absolutely, it seems likely that Jin Sakai will make an appearance in Ghost of Yotei. However, since the storyline is set over 300 years after the events of Tsushima, our protagonist will unfortunately have passed away by then.
Based on this context, it seems reasonable to assume that Yotei’s tale will be connected to the happenings in the initial game. Jin’s metamorphosis into the Ghost could be portrayed as a sort of haunting folklore, with new character Atsu looking to draw inspiration from this legend for guidance.
Through implication, we can anticipate a scene shift that places you in command of a powerful, almost legendary figure named Jin – perhaps concluding with Atsu embracing the title and responsibilities associated with the ‘Ghost’, which she uses to further her objectives.
And here’s an extra prediction for you: Atsu will, at some point, come to inherit the Sakai katana.
The Final Fantasy 9 remake is revealed, built on Unreal Engine
Given the lengthy speculation surrounding this potential remake and considering it has reportedly been under development for multiple years (as hinted by the Nvidia leak), I’m confident that we might officially hear about it in the year 2025.
One aspect of my thinking is that Square Enix appears to have a relatively light schedule for this year. While 2024 was dedicated to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the third part of the trilogy isn’t due until at least 2026. From a Final Fantasy standpoint, there doesn’t seem to be much else on their calendar, aside from possibly Kingdom Hearts 4, but I’m focusing more on the Final Fantasy series in my analysis.
It seems logical to assume that the remake of Final Fantasy 9 is indeed happening, based on all the indications. However, unlike the grand-scale, high-budget remakes such as Final Fantasy 7, I believe it will be more of a comprehensive reimagining using Unreal Engine, rather than a full-blown remake. This new version would likely incorporate updated gameplay elements to keep it fresh and contemporary.
Sammy Barker, Editor
Sony will announce a game playable on PS5, PC, and mobile
My belief is growing stronger that the future of gaming lies in the ability to play all games from anywhere, but I anticipate Sony’s approach to this goal might be subtler than Microsoft’s. By around 2025, it’s possible that Sony will unveil (not necessarily launch) a game that is compatible with PS5, PC, and mobile devices.
In simpler terms, the game’s title will be officially broadcasted on the platform, and you can effortlessly transition your game progress across all three devices using your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. All your gaming activities will be securely saved in the cloud for easy access.
GTA 6 will have a modular multiplayer map allowing Rockstar to change parts of the city
It seems quite likely that Grand Theft Auto 6 may face a delay, but I’m confident we’ll uncover plenty of details about the game in the coming months.
I expect the multiplayer aspect of the game to include a versatile playground that Rockstar can adjust and modify according to seasonal celebrations. While Grand Theft Auto 5 initially transformed Los Santos for its online version, I believe it may have grown somewhat repetitive over time.
In my opinion, certain areas from GTA 6’s single-player map might be incorporated into multiplayer, yet I believe that Rockstar Games could effortlessly replace entire districts and urban sectors as needed. This flexibility would enable them to transform the open world’s essence for various events and updates, just like Fortnite’s map does throughout a season.
Microsoft becomes the biggest publisher on PS5 by far
Xbox, having acquired Activision and Bethesda, is already a significant player in the PS5 market. However, due to most of its content being console exclusive, it’s currently limited. I believe this will shift by 2025, as I predict that the bulk of their content will become available on Sony’s platform.
In 2024, it appears that bandwidth challenges were a significant hurdle for Xbox, as many of their studios were not yet equipped to create games for multiple platforms. However, I anticipate they’ve addressed this issue internally and are poised to showcase their capabilities this year. Not only can we expect remasters or ported versions of popular titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but also day one releases for the majority of their upcoming lineup.
It’s plausible that certain games could gain significant popularity on the PlayStation 5 due to its larger user base, similar to Sea of Thieves. With the consistent annual launch of Call of Duty and other promising titles, I anticipate Microsoft will surpass Sony as the largest publisher for the PlayStation 5 in 2025.
Stephen Tailby, Assistant Editor
We’ll spy our first glimpse of Project 007 this year
2020 saw IO Interactive, creators of Hitman, announce plans for a James Bond game. It’s been almost five years since then, and given the progress made, I’m optimistic that we might catch a glimpse of it in 2025. Now, I don’t mean to suggest that the game will definitely come out this year, but with so much work done over nearly half a decade, the timing seems appropriate. It could be anything from a teaser trailer, a final title reveal, or even a sneak peek at the unique appearance of James Bond in this original narrative.
Five years from now, it seems fitting that the mysterious, shadowy operations surrounding this game should finally be lifted, IO Interactive, given your expertise in creating stealth games. It’s time to bring these covert missions into the light!
Team Asobi isn’t quite done with Astro Bot just yet
Last year, an exceptional platformer game was released, followed by multiple free upgrades introducing fresh stages with Special Bots to gather. With these new levels incorporated, the majority of the copyright notices in the game’s acknowledgments are now understandable; however, a few remain that might suggest there could be more content forthcoming.
From what I gather, Assassin’s Creed and Beyond Good & Evil are the only series cited in Astro Bot credits that don’t seem to be part of the current game. It’s plausible they were considered but didn’t make it, or perhaps characters from these franchises will show up in a future update.
It’s even more intriguing that Gex, who appears in the holiday-themed DLC level, doesn’t seem to be acknowledged in the credits at this time. This could possibly be an oversight, leaving open the possibility that games and publishers yet unmentioned are still in contention. Of course, we can’t forget about the popular RPG series from a renowned Japanese publisher that hasn’t made an appearance yet.
It seems that Astro Bot might include a couple more bonus levels to accommodate additional Final Fantasy characters and possibly incorporate some representatives from Ubisoft as well.
EA will announce an arcade racing game, and it’s either a Burnout revival or a Need for Speed remaster
For a considerable time, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the return of the Burnout series, which I hold dear. It would be fantastic if Electronic Arts (EA) developed another installment in this racing series with contemporary features. However, if they were to remaster Burnout 3: Takedown instead and release it, I’d consider that equally satisfying, and any shortcomings would be overlooked.
It’s been approximately a year since there were whispers about Stellar Entertainment potentially working on a project. If those rumors are indeed accurate, it would be fantastic news! Maybe we’ll get to witness this triple-A, Unreal Engine 5 arcade racer in the year 2025.
Despite its recent setback with Need for Speed Unbound, the Need for Speed franchise remains somewhat vibrant. Even though it didn’t perform as expected, the series hasn’t met its end and shows signs of something intriguing on the horizon based on a discernible trend.
Criterion Games, the developer behind it, has alternated between releasing remakes and fresh titles ever since Burnout Paradise Remastered hit the shelves. Given their recent release of Unbound, a remake of Need for Speed: Most Wanted from 2012, it aligns with this pattern to expect another remaster next.
As a gaming enthusiast, it seems like we might be revisiting the past this year. Maybe they’ll give us a fresh take on NFS Underground 2 or Most Wanted from 2005 – a classic arcade racer, either way. I can hardly wait to see what the publisher has in store for us!
How do you feel about the forecasts we’ve made for the year 2025? Do they seem far-fetched, or do you think some of them might actually materialize? Feel free to share any outlandish predictions of your own in the comment section beneath this post.
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2025-01-10 23:37