Sony is revealing PlayStation 5 gameplay tonight in a 'Future of Gaming' stream - here's how to watch
This week would have been the E3 2020, the gaming convention at which many of the world’s top studios show off their wares ahead of the pre-Christmas rush of blockbuster titles.
But the global coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to this year’s show, which should have been taking place in LA.
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Hide AdIn a year in which new, ‘next-generation’ consoles are promised, the cancellation of the event prompted mass disappointment from fans.
Thankfully, many of the companies who would have been attending the show have instead moved their presentations online.
That includes Sony, who are promising a look at “the future of gaming” tonight (11 June) with first-look reveals of games running on their upcoming PlayStation 5 console.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What will be revealed?
Like Microsoft’s reveal of next-gen, Xbox Series X gameplay a few weeks back, Sony’s event is promising gamers a first-look at titles that make use of the new PS5 hardware.
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Hide AdMicrosoft’s presentation was divisive, with many gamers disappointed that most of the trailers showcased opted to show off ‘cinematic’ graphics, rather than those players will actually see when they boot up the games come Christmas.
PlayStation fans will be hoping Sony have learned from those mistakes, and will give gamers a more representative glimpse of what they can expect when the new console launches.
“We will soon give you a first look at the games you’ll be playing after PlayStation 5 launches this holiday,” said Jim Ryan, President & CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
“The games coming to PS5 represent the best in the industry from innovative studios that span the globe.”
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Hide AdWill we get a price or release date?
Gamers know relatively little about the new PlayStation, and just a few months out from launch, Sony have given us more information on the DualSense controller than the console itself.
So fans will be crossing their fingers that we will get some more concrete details with tonight's stream.
Could we get a glimpse of what the new machine actually looks like? A confirmed release date perhaps?
Then there’s the question of the all-important price.
Microsoft and Sony seem to be holding out as long as possible before announcing the RRP of their consoles – once one is announced, their competitor is free to undercut them with a cheaper model – so don’t hold your breath.
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Hide AdWhat new games will be shown off?
It’s highly likely a raft of new games will be getting their world premieres tonight, including some blockbuster titles we may not have heard anything from before.
E3 is known for its high-profile reveals and exciting announcements that whip fans into a frenzy.
Since Sony’s stream is essentially replacing any presence they may have had at the show, expect those moments to be transferred online.
“Studios, both larger and smaller, those newer and those more established, all have been hard at work developing games that will showcase the potential of the hardware,” said Ryan.
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Hide AdWill it be broadcast in 4K?
With Sony touting the 4K, ultra high-definition fidelity of the PS5, it makes sense they’d show off the games on the stream at the same quality.
But they’ve confirmed the stream will instead be broadcast at “1080p and 30 frames per second”, noting that the games “will look even better when you play them on PS5 with a 4K TV.”
The decision to broadcast the pre-taped show in 1080p was taken to ease the show’s production process at a time when many of Sony’s team and developers are working from home.
Sony also say it’s best to watch the stream while wearing headphones if you can.
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Hide Ad“There’s some cool audio work in the show, and it might be harder to appreciate if it’s pumped through your phone or laptop speakers,” they said in a blog post.
How can I watch the reveal?
With the reveal now being an online-only event, there are thankfully myriad ways to tune in and catch the action for yourself on 11 June.
You will be able to stream Sony's ‘The Future of Gaming’ event on PlayStation's YouTube and Twitch.
The digital showcase – which “will run for a bit more than an hour” – will be live from 9pm BST, so fans in the UK won’t have to stay up late to catch all the action.