Around the start of every year, much like its competitors Xbox and Nintendo, PlayStation rolls out a digital showcase. Looking back at 2024, PlayStation captivated audiences with a State of Play event at the end of January. During this showcase, PlayStation offered a glimpse into what was on the horizon with trailers for a lineup of both heavily-anticipated exclusives, including Stellar Blade and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, as well as multiplatform additions like Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Sonic x Shadow: Generations. This particular presentation was a standout, setting a high benchmark for what fans might expect from future PlayStation events.
Fast forward to 2025, with January almost over, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation for the possibility of a new State of Play. According to the trusted insider NateTheHate, who accurately predicted the reveal timing for the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation’s next event might occur in the week encompassing Valentine’s Day, from February 10 to February 14. While Nate didn’t spill the beans on which publishers might join, the current industry trends suggest that Microsoft could have a significant role at the PlayStation event.
In a surprising twist of industry dynamics, Xbox has become quite a notable player on PlayStation platforms recently. Microsoft and Sony, once fierce rivals aiming to lock players into their respective consoles, have seen their relationship evolve significantly. Beginning in early 2024, Microsoft started porting some of its flagship Xbox titles to PlayStation platforms, with games like Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 5, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle leading the charge. Despite some unease from Xbox’s core fan base over this strategy, Microsoft remains committed to broadening its reach. CEO Phil Spencer’s recent remarks underline this approach, indicating that Xbox is steering away from exclusivity. He hinted at a future where any Xbox game, including marquee titles like Halo, might find its way to other major consoles from the get-go, reflecting insights from industry insiders like Jez Corden of Windows Central.
In line with these developments, there’s swirling speculation about a host of Xbox games potentially making their PlayStation 5 debut. Iconic franchises and new hits such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Fable (2025), Starfield, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, and Perfect Dark are reportedly in the pipeline for PS5. If true, Sony’s upcoming State of Play could serve as the stage for such groundbreaking announcements. While there’s always the possibility that no new PS5 port information will surface, Microsoft might at least use the event to share the release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PlayStation, expected to launch this spring.
Microsoft hasn’t historically had much of a footing at PlayStation events, preferring to showcase multiplatform releases at venues like Nintendo Directs or Geoff Keighley’s prominent showcases. However, given Xbox’s current trajectory, 2025 might break new ground with Microsoft’s presence at a State of Play, marking a notable shift in video game event dynamics and further solidifying the industry’s movement towards more interconnected gaming ecosystems.
