It's rumored that there will be at least some PS5 exclusives released this year from Sony, but it's still uncertain if that includes Concord.
It's rumored that Sony will have a preview showcase in May, similar to last year, but the bigger question is what Sony will present at the event.
They will likely have many third-party games, but PlayStation's temporary leader (now that Jim Ryan has left) has already stated that no 'major franchise titles' will be released before next April. But what about minor franchise titles?
What Sony defines as minor and major is open to interpretation, but they started the year with a preview reel of games set for release in 2024 that included the live service title Concord.
It didn't contain any new footage, and Sony has never provided any information about it, apart from it being a 'PVP multiplayer first-person shooter.' Considering it's relatively unknown, it presumably doesn't qualify as a major franchise title – at least for now.
The only game rumored for the showcase, and supposedly set to be released this year, is a new Astro Bot. There has been talk about a new game since Team Asobi were the only developers saved from the closure of Japan Studio, but Sony has never made any announcements about it.
Hints about a new game go back to 2021, but it's still uncertain whether it's a regular standalone title or a VR game like the impressive Rescue Mission..
In February, reliable source Jeff Grubb suggested that not only was a new Astro Bot in development, but in terms of 2024 releases, 'There might be new game entries in franchises that already exist; they just might not be major in PlayStation's eyes when they're talking to investors.'
This week, he has restated that claim, saying: 'I keep hearing that there will be some smaller first-party games, like that Astro Bot game that is supposedly still happening this year.'
He did not reveal what the other games might be, but there is still hope that Sony will release at least some new first-party games this year, aside from publishing third-party titles such as the upcoming Stellar Blade.
