It's an exciting time for PlayStation fans, as we delve into the state of Sony's PlayStation Studios and explore the future of gaming. With the year 2026 already halfway through, let's uncover the secrets and speculate on the upcoming releases from these talented studios.
The State of PlayStation Studios
The PlayStation ecosystem has seen some significant changes and developments over the past year. While we've enjoyed fantastic third-party releases like Resident Evil Requiem and 007 First Light, the focus is now firmly on Sony's first-party studios and their upcoming projects. However, it's worth noting the unfortunate closure of Bluepoint Games, the talented studio behind the Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus remakes. This news serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry.
Naughty Dog: Intergalactic and Beyond
Naughty Dog, the studio behind the beloved Uncharted and The Last of Us franchises, is currently hard at work on their first new IP since 2013: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. With a retro '80s vibe and a captivating cinematic trailer, this space-faring adventure has fans eagerly awaiting its release. The game stars Tati Gabrielle as Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter on a mission to track down a criminal syndicate. What makes this particularly fascinating is the rumored deeper combat system, offering a unique twist on the traditional Naughty Dog gameplay. And with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross composing the music, the game's atmosphere is sure to be immersive.
But that's not all; Naughty Dog has teased a second, unannounced project in development. Could it be The Last of Us Part 3? Or perhaps an entirely new IP? Only time will tell, and I, for one, am thrilled at the prospect of more diverse and innovative games from this legendary studio.
Santa Monica Studio: Expanding the God of War Saga
Santa Monica Studio, the masterminds behind the God of War franchise, has revealed their next project: God of War Laufey. This highly anticipated game promises to expand the Norse saga into the afterlife, introducing new gods and mythologies. With a focus on blending the heavy-hitting action of the latest installment with the agility of the original Greek games, Laufey is sure to deliver an epic and immersive experience. While we don't have a release date yet, the studio's track record suggests we won't have to wait too long.
Insomniac Games: Marvel's Wolverine and Beyond
Insomniac Games, the creative minds behind the Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank series, are set to release Marvel's Wolverine on September 15, 2026. This ultraviolent adventure marks a departure from their recent open-world games, offering a more linear experience. With the studio's productivity over the past decade, fans have come to expect frequent releases, so a three-year wait for a new Insomniac game is notable. However, the massive data breach in 2024, which revealed future plans, may have impacted their development timeline.
Sucker Punch Productions: Ghost of Yotei and Legends
Sucker Punch, the developers of Ghost of Tsushima, released Ghost of Yotei in October 2025, receiving critical acclaim and showcasing the power of the PS5. The studio has also released Legends, the co-op multiplayer component of the Ghost series. While Sucker Punch has been busy, rumors of an Infamous remake/remaster persist, adding to the anticipation for their next project.
Guerrilla Games: Horizon and Beyond
Guerrilla Games, the creators of the Horizon series, followed up Horizon: Forbidden West with the Burning Shores DLC in 2023. With the sequel ending on a cliffhanger, it's highly likely that the studio is currently working on the third installment. The development time between Zero Dawn and Forbidden West was five years, so we may be hearing about the next chapter soon. Before that, however, Guerrilla will release Horizon: Hunters Gathering, a tactical three-player cooperative action game set in the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon.
Housemarque: Saros and Post-Launch Support
Housemarque, the developers of Returnal, released Saros in April 2026. If Returnal is any indication, we can expect post-launch support and additional modes for Saros. Reports suggest that Saros has had a lukewarm start in terms of sales, but with the studio's track record, we can anticipate a strong performance throughout the year.
Haven Studios: Fairgames and Rebranding Rumors
Haven Studios, founded by industry veteran Jade Raymond, has been working on Fairgames, a multiplayer shooter originally scheduled for release in 2025. However, with Raymond's departure from the project and little information released since the cinematic trailer in 2023, the game's future is uncertain. Rumors of a potential rebrand as "Break In" have surfaced, but we'll have to wait and see if this comes to fruition.
Bend Studio: Days Gone and Beyond
Bend Studio, the developers of Days Gone, has been relatively quiet since the release of the remaster in 2022. The studio shared that their new game will build upon the open-world systems of Days Gone, but we don't know much else. With reports of a live-service game being scrapped and layoffs impacting 30% of the team, it's unclear whether the studio is starting from scratch or continuing with the previously announced project. Either way, we may not hear any updates for a while.
Media Molecule: Dreams and Beyond
Media Molecule, the creators of Dreams, has faced significant layoffs in 2024, resulting in the end of live support for the game. The studio's current aim is to ensure Dreams transitions into a self-sustaining platform. With no news on their next project, fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement.
Team Asobi: Astro Bot and Future Endeavors
Team Asobi, the developers of the critically acclaimed Astro Bot, has continued to support the game with regular updates and new levels. Given the game's success, it's highly likely that we'll see another Astro game in the future. With a vast array of obscure PlayStation characters to choose from, the studio has a wealth of material to work with.
Polyphony Digital: Gran Turismo and Beyond
Polyphony Digital, the studio behind the iconic Gran Turismo series, has been developing racing games for over 25 years. With GT7 released four and a half years ago, fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement for the next installment.
San Diego Studio: MLB The Show and Beyond
San Diego Studio, the developers of MLB The Show, has released the latest entry in the series this year. With a consistent release schedule, we can expect another MLB The Show game next spring.
Firesprite: VR Games and Until Dawn 2
Firesprite, the studio behind Horizon: Call of the Mountain for PSVR 2, has shifted its focus to VR games. While reports suggested they were working on a live-service Twisted Metal game, this project has since been canceled. Instead, the studio is working on Until Dawn 2, a follow-up to the horror hit. Set on a tropical island, this sequel has a lot to live up to, but I'm confident Firesprite will deliver another thrilling experience.
teamLFG: A New Action Game
teamLFG, a newly formed studio within PlayStation Studios, is creating a team-based action game inspired by fighting games, platformers, MOBAs, life sims, and "frog-type games." While the project is still in its early stages, the studio aims to create a lighthearted and comedic world set in a brand-new, mythic, science-fantasy universe. I'm excited to see how this unique concept unfolds.
Conclusion
As we look ahead, the future of PlayStation Studios seems bright, with a diverse range of projects in development. While release dates are still uncertain for many games, the talent and creativity within these studios are undeniable. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the next wave of PlayStation exclusives and the impact they'll have on the gaming industry. Until then, let's enjoy the anticipation and speculation that comes with the territory.
