E3 2017 Predictions: Sony

Sony had a strong start to the year, with a slew of successful exclusives like Horizon Zero Dawn, Persona 5, and Nier: Automata. In February, the PlayStation VR headset neared 1 million units sold – way beyond Sony's expectations despite its small library of games. It's clear PlayStation is doing well, but that doesn't mean Sony shouldn't continue to impress.

At last year's E3, we saw major announcements of new games like the return of God of War with a norse twist, Days Gone, Spider-Man, and more. Since then, we learned about Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and a sequel to The Last of Us during PlayStation Experience. We're likely to hear more updates about several of these titles in rapid-fire succession during the press conference, along with new announcements. Here are our predictions for the show.

God Of War Gets 2018 Release Date
Last year's E3 kicked off with a full orchestra and choir that played stirring music, leading to the reveal of the new God of War. We were reunited with a scruffy and older Kratos, who helps his young son hunt in Scandinavian woods. It's a major tonal shift from the past games, and excitement was rampant. We haven't heard much since, though signs point to a release next year. We are hopeful that E3 will give us a better look at the game, and a clearer release window.

Probability: Sure Bet

Shenmue 1&2 get HD remasters
Shenmue 3 will be missing in action this E3, but that doesn't necessarily mean we won't hear anything about the series. While we're not expecting any announcements about the next installment, this is a great time for Sony to capitalize on the franchise and bring the first two games to the PlayStation 4 as HD remasters. 

Probability: 50/50

Bloodborne II Teaser
Rumor has it that From Software is gearing up to reveal a new IP at E3, but there's also a good chance that Bloodborne II will be revealed. With more than two years since Bloodborne's release, we think this E3 will be the perfect time for From Software to show off a sequel. 

Probability: Sure Bet

Full Length, Bigger Games Come To PSVR
PSVR launched late last year, and despite higher sales than expected, the pricey peripheral can be a difficult sell. Its small library of games often feel like tech demos rather than full-fledged titles, outside of some standout experiences like Resident Evil 7. To really grasp consumer interest on a mainstream level, however, the headset needs bigger and better games. We believe that a good chunk of the conference will be dedicated to PSVR.  

Probability: Sure Bet

Kingdom Hearts 3 Makes An Appearance
Though first announced back in 2013, we've heard very little about Kingdom Hearts 3 since then. Fans have been clamoring for news, and Square Enix has been revealing details and teasers at smaller conventions like Disney's D23 Expo. However, Kingdom Hearts 3 isn't anywhere close to launch. During a financial report, Square revealed it might not come out before 2020. With this in mind, it's unlikely that we'll learn much this E3. Our most optimistic hope is that, if anything, a new trailer is shown.

Probability: Long Shot

New IP from Sucker Punch
With rumors circulating about a new IP in the works from Sucker Punch (known for franchises like Infamous and Sly Cooper), it's possible that an announcement for a new game is looming. Infamous: Second Son and the stand-alone DLC First Light both launched three years ago, and we think it's likely the studio has plans to show off its next project soon.

Probability: 50/50

Story DLC For Horizon Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games' mechanical dinosaur-filled open world, Horizon Zero Dawn, released to positive reviews earlier this year. Following its success, a smart move would be to create a narrative expansion to keep fans invested. We think the chances are high that this will happen at E3.

Probability: Sure Bet

For more of E3 2017 Sony predictions, go to page two.

Detroit: Become Human Gets PSVR Support, Release Date
Quantic Dream's next narrative-driven adventure, Detroit: Become Human, features android protagonists with unique powers. PSVR seems like a good fit for bringing immersion to the story rich game. At last year's E3, we saw gameplay demos where one of the main characters uses augmented reality to solve crime scenes, a system which could be fun to control in VR. We also suspect Detroit: Become Human, which was announced in 2015, could have a definitive release date.

Probability: 50/50

New Trailer For Death Stranding
It's hard to say whether this E3 will offer a less cryptic view at Death Stranding, but we expect a stage appearance from Hideo Kojima and another look at the game. Death Stranding was one of the bigger reveals of last year's E3, and we last saw it at PlayStation Experience. It's Kojima's first post-Konami game, and we're excited to see more of it, and to find out how its weird concept can grow into something original.

Probability: Sure Bet

Final Fantasy VII Remake Gets New Trailer
Because the Final Fantasy VII remake was a no-show at last year's E3, there's a slim chance it will make an appearance this time. We say slim, because the remake, just like Kingdom Hearts 3, is far from release. Furthermore, Square Enix recently announced development has shifted focus from working with an external team to a more internal process. This gives us the impression that Square is knee-deep in development, and further announcements are unlikely.

Probability: Long Shot

Another Trailer For The Last Of Us Part II
Last year's PlayStation Experience saw the return of Ellie and Joel. No release window or gameplay was shown during its reveal, but it created a lot of buzz amongst the industry and fans. While The Last of Us Part II is likely not launching before 2018, we think E3 is the perfect place for Naughty Dog to show off more of the game with either a cinematic trailer or a gameplay sequence.

Probability: 50/50

Sony Unveils New Handheld Console
Could Sony have something in the works that acts as a direct competitor to the Nintendo Switch? Rumors have been circulating that a handheld system, similar to the PlayStation Vita but more powerful, would allow you to play PlayStation 4 games on the go. However, rumors aren't enough to go on, and it's unclear if such a powerful device is technically feasible right now.

Probability: Long Shot