Another State of Play and the Problems with it

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Sony live streamed another “State of Play” event today, May 9, 2019. The stream lasted for a little over 20 minutes, giving viewers a look at a few new titles and a release date and trailer for one of their notable titles on the horizon. While the games shown weren’t bad, some looking pretty good, they still couldn’t create a presentation to wow us gamers. It felt as brief as the last. And even though the games were exciting in their own right, it seems we have all become too set on prime E3 to come out of these smaller, more low key presentations.

Despite the high expectations Sony and PlayStation have created for us over the last few years, it is clear that we need to temper them when it comes to these monthly streams, titled “State of Play.” I don’t believe it was executed poorly last month or this time around but it just didn’t feel exhilarating like many of the Sony press conferences and events of the past or even that of Nintendo’s Directs, the direct comparison to these.

What we got out of today's presentation was “Riverbond,” “Away,” “Monster Hunter World’s” new expansion, a release date trailer for “MediEvil” and a new look at “Final Fantasy VII Remake.” There was also a new PS4 model. I think that the two new I.P., while unique and admittedly pretty decent looking, are for a more niche and smaller audience. “Monster Hunter World” is in many ways for a specific audience too. And then there’s “MediEvil,” which is a PS4 exclusive remake of a PS1 title, one that certainly doesn’t bare the legacy in name as say Crash Bandicoot or Spyro the Dragon. Lastly, the remake for “Final Fantasy VII,” one that is a substantial remake, is one that has been in development and in the shadows for what feels like forever. It also looks like a game we won't get until the PS5 is on the market in all honesty.

There lies the problem with the game showcased in this State of Play. If it was about “The Last of Us Part 2” or “Ghost of Tsushima” for example, I think it’d be more appealing to more and quicker too at getting the desired attention. I believe that we need to stop expecting the E3’s of the PS4’s earliest days from Sony. Take that away and there is quite frankly something to be excited for in smaller portions, those of which require smaller expectations. With the idea that the next State of Play is going to be short and sweet with a few indie games, updates on upcoming titles and a notably strong trailer or reveal here and there wrapped together in a concise package in between larger events, we can all enjoy this low key events as they are meant to be.