Yes, okay, we know that Sony’s next-generation console hasn’t even been announced yet, but we’ve already heard plenty of insider chat from unnamed sources about games that are currently in the planning that may well end up being launch games for the PlayStation 4. In fact, we’re 99.9% certain that some of the games that we list below will be flying the flag for Sony’s new console when it launches in the next couple of years.
As we don’t want to get our "insiders" into trouble, we’ve mixed those games that we’re sure are being prepped for PS4 launch with speculation as to which games may also make an appearance. We’ll leave it to you to guess which ones you think will make the cut.
We’re super confident that the PS4 will boast the strongest launch line-up we’ve seen for any console…
1. Killzone 4
Guerrilla Games is working on a number of new IPs, but the Killzone franchise is a guaranteed system seller and the perfect action-packed shooter to grace the new console at launch.
We believe this new entry won’t be called Killzone 4 though, as Sony will want to freshen up its image for the launch of the new console. With more focus on storytelling than previous iterations, Sony will lose the digit in favour of a single word with more impact.
2. Deus Ex Human Revolution 2
The revival of the Deus Ex franchise was greeted with universal praise. The espionage/science fiction action role-playing also did far better than Square Enix expected, so much so that the developer is likely to waste no time in creating a follow-up.
It’s no coincidence that Square Enix Montreal, a new second studio for the Square Enix Group in Canada, is being set up this year. Alongside new Thief and Hitman games, the developer will be hard at work on the new Deus Ex. Expect a bigger game environment with far more city hubs to explore.
3. Gran Turismo 6
The PS4 launch line-up needs a racing game, and none can do it more justice than GT5. Polyphony Digital boss Kazunori Yamauchi has even admitted that the recent GT5 is just too good for current-gen consoles.
‘The level of precision we’ve achieved [in GT5] is actually more suited to the next generation of machines,’ he said. The level of detail in the new Gran Turismo game will be astounding. The franchise is known for its long development cycles, but Polyphony will be doing everything in its power to get it ready for PS4’s launch. In the meantime, fans will be able to enjoy a PS Vita version.
4. Infraworld
After the success of the brilliant Heavy Rain, the sky is the limit for Quantic Dream. Its strong relationship with Sony has reportedly enabled the studio to revive a cancelled project, which appeared as an Easter egg in Heavy Rain.
Word has it that Infraworld will be a cinematic, sci-fi drama featuring warring galaxies and a level of interaction and immersion that will once again blur the boundaries between movies and videogames.
5. Assassin’s Creed 4
After PSU spoke with Falko Poiker, mission-design director on Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, we know full well that the studio intends to deliver regular bouts of Assassin’s Creed action.
After Assassin’s Creed III, we’d expect Ubisoft to hold back its fourth iteration for the launch of the PS4. It will be coming, the only real question is: where will it be set? We’d put some serious money on Victorian London featuring at some point, maybe even an encounter with Jack the Ripper. Anyone fancy a ‘Leap Of Faith’ off Big Ben?
6. Uncharted 4
Naughty Dog is still finding ways to push the power of the PS3, so we’ve no doubt that they could create yet another brilliant current-gen adventure. Why bother though when the PS4 isn’t too far away?
During a PSU interview with the developer we already know that it’s looking at locations for the new game, including Scandanvia and Portugal, which are both rich with history and perfect for Nathan Drake’s treasure hunting.
7. Titan
Blizzard’s next-gen MMO is still well under wraps but it’s said to complement the World Of Warcraft experience. This will be massive, and we’d expect a free-to-play business model that embraces PC, Xbox 720 and PS4.
Blizzard is notorious for its long development times, but it’s not unrealistic to think that it will push Titan for the PS4 launch.
8. Need For Speed
As one of the most successful videogame franchises in the world, Need For Speed is going to around for many more years to come and you can bet that EA will be all over the launch of the PS4 with a few day one titles.
EA loves to target the holiday season too, which is likely to be when the PS4 launches. Fans have been critical of the series in recent years, so EA will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-gen game more authentic. We hear there’s a major Need For Speed announcement coming at E3 in June. Our guess is that we’ll see how it plans to take the franchise into the next generation, possibly with a new direction too.
9. Crysis 3
Gamers could be spoilt for choice for shooters on PS4 with both Killzone 4 and Crysis 3 potential launch titles.
The storyline is already apparently mapped out and now that Crytek has got to grips with console development with Crysis 2 it will have much more of an idea on how to leverage the power of the PS4, which we suspect will be the lead development console. We can expect an incredibly realistic looking environment and terrain deformation on an unprecedented scale.
10. Beyond Good & Evil 2
Ubisoft love a console launch, so we can expect it to have more than Assassin’s Creed up its sleeve for the PS4. We know the studio has been working on a sequel to Beyond Good & Evil, which was always meant to be a trilogy.
The team had a break to work on Rayman Origins, but now that’s done and dusted Ubisoft has plenty of time to get BGE2 in ship-shape in time for PS4 launch week.
11. Metal Gear Solid 5
With so many gaps still to be filled, we’re betting that Solid Snake is back in a prequel that takes us to right back to his younger days.
Industry analysts have already predicted that MGS 5 will be released before May 2014. If Konami gets its act together there’s no better time to launch it then right at the beginning of a new console generation. Excited? You should be.
Other potential PS4 launch games include Ready At Dawn’s new IP, a third person action adventure, Bungie’s new title (possibly Dead Orbit,) LittleBigPlanet 3 and Madden NFL. We also hear that Skyrim creator Bethesda is working hard on a new next-gen title. We think it would be too soon for a new entry in the Elder Scrolls series, but Fallout 4 is a big possibility for the launch window.
So, what games do you think the PS4 should have at launch?