Sony recently shocked absolutely nobody by confirming their next console will be called the PlayStation 5 and that it will release late in 2020. Now, though, questions regarding the console turn to some of the more interesting specifics.
With the possible exception of price, none of those specifics are more notable than the PS5’s potential launch games. Many consoles are often defined by their launch games, and it’s no coincidence that some of the best consoles ever had notable launch titles.
So which games will the PS5 feature at launch? It may be too soon to say for sure, but here are five of the most likely candidates.
Horizon Zero Dawn 2
In many ways, this feels like the most likely candidate for a major PS5 launch game exclusive to Sony’s new console.
Let’s look at a few facts that seem to support that claim. First, Horizon Zero Dawn was released early in 2017. That means that a 2020 release date for a sequel would certainly be in-line with the typical release window for major open-world sequels.
Second, we know that the Horizon Zero Dawn team has been working on something new that they don’t seem to be able to talk about. It’s most likely a sequel to Horizon, and it seems pretty clear at this point that sequel won’t be coming to PS4.
Finally, Horizon Zero Dawn sold around 10 million copies, which is incredible for an IP. Sony has to believe that a sequel to that experience would be a huge draw for the PS5.
Gran Turismo 7
This guess is a little less likely than Horizon Zero Dawn 2, but it still feels like a relatively safe bet.
The last Gran Turismo game (Gran Turismo Sport) was relatively well-received but was perhaps not quite as much of a game-changer as some fans thought it might be. You may also notice the distinctive lack of a 7 in the game’s title, which could suggest the team didn’t entirely see it as the next full installment in the series.
While a 2020 release date for the next Gran Turismo would be a little ahead of schedule, we’ve seen installments in the Gran Turismo series evolve past their launch. That means that GT 7 could launch in a relatively simple form but grow as the PS5 does.
A Ratchet and Clank Sequel
Fun fact: this spot was originally going to go to Spider-Man 2, but that game is most likely at least a couple of years away. That said, it’s still a possibility.
This possibility feels much more likely, though. Sony recently acquired developer Insomniac Games, and we’re betting they didn’t do it just so Insomniac could make a new Spider-Man game. We’re also willing to bet that Sony would prefer for Insomniac to release a new game for the PS5’s launch.
A new Ratchet and Clank feels like the most likely option for that PS5 launch game. Insomniac has pretty much mastered this series’ formula by this point, so they wouldn’t exactly have to reinvent the wheel to get this done. More importantly, Ratchet and Clank has the kind of name-value that is important for major launch games.
Cyberpunk 2077
This is an obvious choice, but that doesn’t make it any less likely of a candidate.
Developer CD Projekt Red has spoken in the past about their interest in bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to next-gen consoles. While they stopped short of confirming its next-gen release, it seems all but guaranteed that the game is going to come to PS5 and the next Xbox at some point.
It may be optimistic to suggest that Cyberpunk 2077 is going to be released for PS5 as early as the console’s launch, but it feels like a distinct possibility.
Assassin’s Creed: Kingdom
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is poised to return in 2020 with a new installment that most fans have already figured out will involve Vikings. Actually, the sheer number of hints which suggest a Viking setting seemingly confirms that “rumor.”
What’s also just shy of being confirmed is the next Assassin’s Creed‘s status as a PS5 launch game. Every generation, we see games like this get released for previous-gen console and next-gen consoles roughly simultaneously. They’re not always the most exciting next-gen releases, but they’re certainly welcome for early adopters looking for something to sink their teeth into.
You can probably set your watch by the idea that the next Assassin’s Creed will be available on PS5 at launch.
