The June 2022 State of Play for Sony and PlayStation helped kick off Summer Game Fest with announcements for new and current games, but a somewhat lackluster showcase indicates the Summer Game Fest won't be anything like past E3 Expo experiences. The E3 Expo, which has acted as a platform for major game announcements in past years, has been canceled for the summer of 2022, leaving Summer Game Fest to fill the gap. However, a year plagued with delays, setbacks, and empty showcase livestreams may be a poor omen for the upcoming games festival, with the State of Play acting as a bumpy start.
Showcase expos and festivals like E3 and Summer Game Fest are important for both gamers and developers. The showcases offer developers the chance to reveal large game announcements to a concentrated audience, while viewers can look for updates and reveals on upcoming AAA and indie titles. Additionally, it can be a great way to celebrate a love of gaming with the community, and combine updates and announcements with exciting entertainment like musical guests and celebrity hosts.
Related: Summer Game Fest 2022: What To Expect
While Summer Game Fest won't officially start until June 9, 2022, many smaller showcases like the PlayStation State of Play are planned for similar timeframes. The State of Play, which went live on June 2, 2022, had many gamers hopeful for news on upcoming titles like Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2. The State of Play instead focused on information surrounding updates for existing games, PC releases, and VR remasters. While Resident Evil 4's remake was confirmed, and Final Fantasy 16 received a new trailer and release window, the showcase was largely void of specific release dates and information
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