The PlayStation 5 had a great launch lineup and steady stream of quality releases during the first half of 2021. With titles such as Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart already available, the library of games for the PS5 has been building for the past few months. However, looking ahead, the PS5 release schedule seems noticeably more muted than it was before. Couple this with a lack of showcases and information from Sony, and Deathloop seems to have already taken the top spot as the most promising upcoming PS5 game due to unfortunate delays.
Not long ago, both God of War: Ragnarok and Horizon: Forbidden West were being advertised as the heavy hitters for the PS5 in 2021, but recent delays have pushed both games into 2022. While this sets Sony up very nicely for next year, it has left the rest of the year for the PS5 comparatively barren. It is here that Deathloop now has a unique advantage to hype itself up from originally being a solid timed exclusive, to the must-have holiday title on the PlayStation 5.
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Horizon Forbidden West: Hype and Delay
Since even the humble beginnings of the PlayStation brand, the console has become recognized for its top notch first party exclusives that can't be played anywhere else. The PS1 had Crash Bandicoot, the PS2 had God of War, and the PS3 was remebered for genre defining hits like Uncharted and The Last of Us. Because of all this critical acclaim, any first party PlayStation studio such as Naughty Dog or Insomniac have become synonymous with higher quality titles. To be seen under such high regard is a top honor in the gaming industry, something which Returnal developer Housemarque must be feeling after joining Sony Worldwide Studios this year.
Because of this, any game from one of these celebrated studios is usually hyped as the next big thing for a PlayStation console. Ghost of Tsushima was a brand new IP, but because it was from Sucker Punch (inFamous, Sly Cooper) it became a highly anticipated title. PlayStation users have come to expect consistent quality from these first party games, something which continues to ring true on the PS5. Horizon Forbidden West seemed to be the next big thing in the pipeline, promoting a 2021 launch date when first revealed last summer.
Unfortunately during Gamescom 2021, Guerrilla Games confirmed that Horizon Forbidden West had to be delayed into 2022 to ensure the best level of quality possible. While this is understandable, it unfortunately left the PS5 without a first-party AAA hit to support the console this upcoming holiday season. With God of War: Ragnarok having been delayed as well, there isn't much else for Sony as of right now, aside from leaning on earlier hits this year such as Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. However, a saving grace may be found in an unsuspecting place for Sony.
Deathloop's PS5 Exclusive Status
Horizon Forbidden West wasn't the only game to receive a spotlight in Sony's PS5 showcase last summer, as Deathloop also made its first big splash at this event too. The mind bending trailer showcased supernatural abilities and an intriguing premise. Deathloop was also revealed to be a timed PS5 console exclusive, meaning it won't be available on any other systems for another year at least. This exclusivity has been honored by Microsoft, despite the company acquiring Deathloop's publisher Bethesda earlier this year.
Leading up to its release on September 14, Deathloop has been receiving a fair deal of promotion, potentially reminding audiences of its timed PS5 exclusivity. It was featured as the headlining game in a Sony State of Play event, while being the major PlayStation 5 title present at Gamescom 2021, aside from Death Stranding: Director's Cut. This kind of push isn't far off from what other major PlayStation exclusives would receive, positioning Deathloop front and center for the PS5's holiday release schedule.
If Sony truly has nothing else ready for the holiday season, its playing things smart by taking advantage of Deathloop's year-long timed exclusivity. Marketing the game as the big PS5 exclusive for the rest of the year is no small gesture. Because of this, the game is sure to attract the attention of PS5 players who were eager to play Horizon Forbidden West this year, and are seeking a potential alternative. Deathloop was sure to do well regardless, but this extra push surely won't hurt its reception. Based on Arkane's past games, Deathloop has a unique opportunity as the PS5's only major console exclusive this holiday.
Deathloop will be available for PC and PS5 on September 14.
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