Release Dates Changed for a Portion of Sony’s First-Party Games

Sony has revealed in a recent financial report that there have been changes to the release dates of “a portion” of their first-party games planned for 2023 (or early 2024). While some games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Helldivers 2 are on track, others seem to have been delayed.

The report doesn’t provide specific details about which games have been affected, leaving room for speculation. It mentions the “impact of changes in the launch dates of a portion of first-party titles” as a negative factor. This suggests that there are multiple titles involved and that their launch dates have been altered.

Possible candidates for these delayed games include the rumored The Last of Us Part II PS5 upgrade, Horizon Zero Dawn remake, and Firesprite’s Twisted Metal. Sony may have wanted to strategically align these releases with the Peacock show’s success and the popularity of The Last of Us.

Stellar Blade, a game published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and developed by Shift Up, could also be part of this group. Although it was announced for 2023, the lack of a new trailer since September 2022 raises questions about its progress.

One game that might be affected is the multiplayer component of The Last of Us. It was notably absent from the last PlayStation Showcase and reportedly downsized after a disappointing assessment from Bungie. Naughty Dog’s statement about needing more time suggests that they are working to meet high expectations.

However, it’s important to note that Spider-Man 2 and Helldivers 2 are not part of the delayed titles. Spider-Man 2 has a confirmed release date and has not been officially delayed, while Helldivers 2, although lacking a confirmed release date, has already received a rating from the ESRB and had October as a rumored release window.