At the start of each year, much like Xbox and Nintendo, PlayStation typically rolls out a digital showcase. Take 2024, for example, when PlayStation kicked off the year with a State of Play event that lit up the gaming scene in late January. They unveiled gripping new trailers for some big-name exclusives like Stellar Blade and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, alongside some exciting multiplatform titles such as Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Sonic x Shadow: Generations. This particular State of Play stood out as one of PlayStation’s most impressive showings in recent years, raising the bar for any future events from the company.
Now, as we’re winding down January 2025, there’s a strong buzz around the possibility of PlayStation hosting another State of Play in the coming weeks. The well-known insider NateTheHate, who accurately revealed the announcement date for the Nintendo Switch 2, hinted not long ago that PlayStation might be planning its next State of Play for the week of Valentine’s Day—from February 10 to February 14. Although Nate didn’t spill the beans on which publishers would take part, looking at industry trends, it wouldn’t be surprising if Microsoft made a notable appearance.
Over the last few months, Xbox has emerged as a big player on PlayStation consoles. Historically, Microsoft and Sony were ever-fierce competitors, battling to win over gamers. However, the landscape has transformed significantly. Starting in early 2024, Microsoft began to adapt its Xbox exclusives for PlayStation platforms, including standout games like Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 5, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. While some Xbox loyals are uneasy about this shift towards a multiplatform approach, Microsoft seems committed to this strategy, even doubling down on it.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently echoed this sentiment, indicating that Xbox is stepping away from exclusivity and considering releasing almost every Xbox title across multiple platforms, including iconic games like Halo. His comments align with insider reports, such as those from Jez Corden at Windows Central, who mentioned that Microsoft plans to launch all future games on PlayStation or Nintendo platforms on launch day whenever feasible.
We’re hearing whispers that several major Xbox titles might be in the pipeline for PS5, including heavyweights like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Fable (2025), Starfield, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, and Perfect Dark. Should those rumors prove true, perhaps Microsoft will use Sony’s forthcoming State of Play to officially announce some of these releases for PS5. Even if no new PS5 ports are unveiled, confirming a PlayStation release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle could happen, considering its expected spring debut on Sony’s latest console.
Despite this shift toward platform agnosticism, Microsoft has yet to make a splash at PlayStation events. Typically, announcements of these multiplatform ports have been reserved for Nintendo Directs or major showcases hosted by Geoff Keighley, like the Summer Games Fest and The Game Awards. Given Xbox’s current trajectory, 2025 might just mark the milestone year where Microsoft makes its debut at a PlayStation State of Play, whether in a major role or a smaller capacity.
