Sacred Symbols: A PlayStation Podcast

What a week! Our jam-packed episode of Sacred Symbols covers all of the announcements from both Sony's State of Play presentation, as well as Geoff Keighley's Summer Games Fest showcase. And let's just say, there's a ton to get through. State of Play's 25 game roster included a fresh, expanded look at Wolverine, the reveal of Firesprite's long-rumored Until Dawn 2, and the confirmation of a brand new God of War game in the form of Laufey (plus a ton of third-party stuff, including Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Silent Hill: Townfall, Control Resonant, Phantom Blade 0, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, and more). Geoff's show went even harder, with a full 53 games displayed, including the culmination of the Final Fantasy VII Remake saga in the form of Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, the always-assumed Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake en route in 2027, two new Cuphead titles, the Stellar Blade sequel Blood Rain, and so on. We have other news this week, too -- MMORPG Horizon: Steel Frontiers has been delayed, California's legislature is going after developers and publishers who delist games, Fable has been delayed until next year, and so on -- but really, the meat of the show is all about these E3-like pressers. Even the questions at the end! So buckle up for one long episode of Sacred Symbols. Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:08:09 - Another Sacred statistic0:19:59 - dishonored brokers0:26:24 - "the podcast I listen to"0:34:27 - State of Play rundown3:12:55 - Was State of Play underwhelming?3:25:13 - Economic realities of originality3:37:27 - Stagnant first party3:44:25 - Studios stuck on IPs3:50:39 - Less attractive female characters?4:00:40 - September is looking rough4:08:39 - Summer Game Fest rundown5:26:13 - Sony removes more shovelware5:31:48 - Horizon: Steel Frontiers delayed5:33:14 - Amazon and 007 First Light5:40:50 - Toy Story Retro Roundup5:50:18 - New CA bill for game preservation6:02:53 - Fallout 76 coming to PS56:03:43 - Fable delayed6:04:11 - Gravity Circuit 2 announced6:04:57 - May 2026 PSN top downloads6:06:59 - What We're Playing (Pragmata, Saros, Mina the Hollower, 007: First Light) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a week! On the back of Colin's PSN account being temporarily hijacked by nefarious forces, we have an enormous amount to get through for our ever-eager audience. We dissect what happened, why it happened, how we've been communicating with Sony to try and convince them to fix the major issues plaguing their online service, and what we feel you should do to protect yourself. But understand this, and understand it well: PSN's security is a complete joke. All an outsider needs to get access to your account is an email address and mundane information like the date you made a random purchase, and they'll give your account to basically anyone. Your password doesn't matter, your 2FA doesn't matter, and your passkey doesn't matter. To repeat: Your password doesn't matter, your 2FA doesn't matter, and your passkey doesn't matter. And if you want more proof, someone in our audience reset two of his own accounts back-to-back with PlayStation's hilariously-deficient (and potentially-compromised) third world customer service call centers, just to make the point. Sony must make serious changes and reunite people with their stolen PSN accounts, and we intend on pressing until they do. We are your loyal and dedicated customers. Remember? Other news this week includes the announcement of a fresh State of Play in early June, confirmation that PlayStation will no longer release its single-player games on PC, the official end of Destiny 2, the renaming of Fairgames, rumors of a return of Infamous, an increase in PS+ pricing, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Could Shuhei Yoshida ever return to PlayStation? Why have mergers and acquisitions dramatically slowed down in the games industry? Will Sony pull PS5s from shelves shortly after PS6 launches due to pricing tensions? Which members of Cobra would Chris and Dustin be? Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SACRED and use code SACRED and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Go to PrizePicks.com/DoItLiveSweepstakes or check out PrizePicks social pages for more info. Timestamps:Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:22:05 - To Grace and Leo0:26:05 - Reverse Jesus0:28:25 - Children of wealth0:38:55 - Chris and Dustin in Cobra0:42:18 - Candle compromise0:43:09 - The Great Hack2:30:04 - State of Play incoming2:41:09 - Sony single player games are no longer coming to PC2:55:10 - Destiny 2 is ending3:15:58 - Fairgames renamed?3:27:38 - PS Plus price increase3:34:26 - Is Infamous coming back?3:43:00 - Warhorse Studios is working on two games3:52:07 - Embracer reorganizes4:00:14 - Circana data for April4:05:33 - What We're Playing (Mouse: PI For Hire, Pragmata, Saros, Marathon)4:14:40 - Shuhei spotted4:16:47 - PSN keys4:29:46 - What happened to consolidation?4:33:45 - Player analytics4:39:01 - PS5 after PS64:46:48 - Difficulty tuning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If the release calendar holds as currently constructed, Grand Theft Auto VI will launch into the waiting arms of millions upon millions of day-one players. And since it's likely to be the highest-grossing entertainment event in the history of mankind, it's fair to assume that the marketing push will be substantial. As we get ever-closer to the fall, Take Two's CEO has been giving revealing interviews about the insane money, expectations, and consequences behind Rockstar's much-anticipated project (and word on these digital streets is that Sony has secured the marketing rights to the game, which is absolutely massive for PlayStation 5). Are you ready to withstand a hype machine the likes of which you've never seen before? Plus: Strauss Zelnick expresses disappointment over Civilization VII and laments the lack of a new BioShock, a majority of consumers polled report never buying games at full price, Call of Duty is finally skipping PlayStation 4 moving forward, Yacht Club's Mina the Hollower gets a release date, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Should Sony reform its existing refund system on PSN? Is there an alternate reality where Sony kept the 007 film license in the '90s, thus opening up PlayStation to a series of James Bond games? Should PlayStation explore surprise reveals a la the new Star Fox? Does Colin have a potential business opportunity in the works naming other people's children? This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off at https://www.betterhelp.com/sacred Timestamps:Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.0:00:00 - Intro0:21:22 - Sacred missed connection UPDATE0:27:12 - Naming ceremony0:43:18 - Magnanimous Colin0:46:21 - DRM thoughts0:56:27 - New PSN settlement1:18:17 - Sony seemingly has the marketing rights to GTA VI1:45:27 - Zelnick on Bioshock and Civ VII2:09:08 - 62% of gamers don't buy full price2:25:56 - Call of Duty is done with PS42:28:36 - Sega reveals Stranger Than Heaven2:30:55 - Mina the Hollower has a release date2:48:45 - PSN April 2026 Sales2:52:24 - What We’re Playing (Saros, Vampire Crawlers, Saint Slayer)3:21:28 - Better ways for DRM3:26:17 - Fix the refund system3:30:51 - Alternate 007 timeline3:37:40 - Easy modes3:44:10 - Surprise announcements3:50:49 - Marketing for Marathon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sony has accomplished a truly rare feat in this contentious era by providing players with a widely-lauded hour-plus State of Play presentation. At the top of the heap of announcements for many are a duo of God of War-related unveilings -- the long-rumored 2.5D Metroidvania game and an early-in-development ground-up remake of the original PS2 and PS3 trilogy -- with the former project stealth released at the time of its reveal. That's right: You can buy it right now! 29 other games were showcased, revealed, and otherwise shown off during the proceedings as well, like a new Castlevania called Belmont's Curse, a sequel to Kena: Bridge of Spirits called Scars of Kosmora, a AAA John Wick project, stealth title Yakoh: Shinobi Ops, the second volume of Konami's Metal Gear Collection, and much, much more. Plus, fresh looks at Saros, Resident Evil: Requiem, Marathon, Mina the Hollower, Beast of Reincarnation, Marvel Tokon, Control Resonant, Pragmata, 4LOOP, and so on. Other news rounds things out this week -- like steep layoffs at Highguard studio Wildlight and casting details for 2027' Helldivers film -- before we move onto listener inquiries. Who are some of our favorite black characters in gaming history? Why exactly doesn't Colin care about sports games anymore? Should Sony more heavily pursue Astro Bot spinoffs? Did the all-Spanish Super Bowl Halftime Show send any of us into an unspeakable rage? Get 50% off your first box and free breakfast for a year at https://www.factormeals.com/sacred50off and use code sacred50off Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at https://www.shopify.com/sacred Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:28:09 - Love to Sean0:35:17 - Superbowl thoughts0:52:00 - GTA regret after murder0:57:09 - State of Play1:05:20 - Kena: Scars of Scars of Kosmora1:10:20 - Ghost of Yotei: Legends1:16:04 - Death Stranding 2 PC1:18:46 - 4:Loop1:26:26 - Capcom updates1:27:08 - Legacy of Kain Defiance Remastered1:29:41 - Brigandine1:31:45 - Dead or Alive1:33:16 - Control Resonant1:35:11 - Crimson Moon1:37:28 - Beast of Reincarnation1:39:58 - Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition1:44:21 - Mina the Hollower1:45:39 - Yakoh Shinobi Ops1:48:27 - Project WIndless1:53:36 - Star Wars Galactic Racer1:58:15 - Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol 22:02:42 - Konami segment2:14:47 - John Wick2:18:33 - Marathon2:21:44 - Saros2:22:18 - Tokon2:24:18 - God of War2:37:36 - Highguard layoffs3:17:22 - Horizon 3 could be 3-5 years out3:29:43 - Kojima revealed he almost worked with Respawn3:38:21 - Build A Rocket Boy still claims they were sabotaged3:53:22 - Helldivers movie update3:58:15 - What We’re Playing (Lovish, Astalon: Tears of the Earth, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, Resident Evil 5, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined)4:22:16 - PlayStations online negativity4:29:25 - Black History Month in gaming4:34:24 - Returning to Madden?4:35:49 - Women in the industry4:41:20 - Should Sony focus on uncslop?4:43:40 - Where are the Astrobot spinoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the chase for AI obliterating affordability in computing-related markets, it should come as no surprise that Sony may be deliberating a delay for PlayStation 6's rollout and release. But recent commentary from a well-connected financial analyst suggests that PS6's purported delay may be more substantial than we thought, perhaps precipitated by more factors than we initially thought. When does the gaming world need the next PlayStation? Could we go potentially several more years on PS5 alone? We discuss. Plus: Chris has played Highguard extensively and has a lot to say, Rockstar may take our advice and forego physical copies of GTAVI at launch to avoid spoilers, Ubisoft unions are agitating for an international strike at the publisher's many offices, MLB: The Show 26 gets its cover athlete and a release date, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Are mini-maps useful or distracting? How do we feel about Final Fantasy VII Remake's new "Streamlined Progression" update? Is New Game+ functionality catering to an older, diminishing audience? Did Dustin enjoy his romantic California getaway with Brad? This week, PrizePicks has a special Max Discount for the Big Game, live in the app now! Drake Maye just needs 1 passing yard for the Max Discount to win! Just add another player to your line up and if your picks hit you can cash in! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SACRED and use code SACRED and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/symbols and get on your way to being your best self Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at https://www.shopify.com/sacred Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:18:45 - Dustin's weekend away0:30:16 - The Persona concert0:42:43 - 2026 snow storm0:53:47 - Football story1:00:25 - PlayStation 6 could be delayed1:28:06 - PS5 Pro and Portal attach rates1:34:00 - Real PS4 Portable1:37:12 - Rumor that GTA VI will be digital only at launch1:50:21 - Ubisoft strike2:13:38 - MLB: The Show cover revealed2:17:03 - February PS+ games2:21:00 - What We're Playing (Front Mission 1st Remake, Castlevania Requiem, Highguard, The Exit 8, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow, Code Vein II)3:15:47 - Mini maps in games3:23:29 - FF7 Remake update3:29:17 - Should we support PlayStation live service?3:36:34 - Are huge games unsustainable?3:46:37 - Kotaku evolved?3:54:25 - Is replaying games unc coded? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As PlayStation's aggressive pursuit of crossmedia success continues, we have a new piece of news worth considering in the form of the casting of Kratos in Amazon's upcoming God of War series. 6'6" American actor Ryan Hurst has won the coveted role, joining notable writers, directors, and a famous showrunner to make what could very well be Sony's most promising TV property yet. We discuss. Plus: A notorious developer known for more than a thousand asset flip-slash-Trophy farming games has all of its titles removed from the PSN, compelling evidence circulates that 2016's The Division is getting a Definitive Edition on PS5 somewhat imminently, Xbox's Fable joins Avowed as yet another game slated for Sony's console, Call of Duty sales purportedly plummet 60% year-over-year, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! With Colin only a few Platinums away from 200, is there any game he's specifically targeting for the milestone? Following the closure of Meta's largest VR studios, is the pursuit of virtual reality in games officially dead? Could Sea of Thieves be the actual, original extraction shooter (for lack of a better term)? Do we anticipate we'll ever win the Golden Globe for Best Podcast? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:30:04 - Rest in Peace Mojo0:34:17 - Golden Globe's best podcast0:37:48 - Stand down Dave0:38:38 - Long Island lore0:43:56 - Ryan Hurst is Kratos0:56:57 - The Division: Definitive Edition?1:04:21 - Is Sony doing something about Trophy slop games?1:20:34 - Forza Horizon 5 sells over 5 million on PS51:26:51 - Fable is coming to PS51:41:15 - Is Call of Duty failing?2:04:02 - PS+ Extra Games2:06:58 - PSN Top games 20252:11:36 - What We’ve Been Playing (Mega Man 11, Destiny 1, Kingdom Hearts 2)2:28:58 - Colin's 200ths platinum plans2:32:39 - Lillymo DLC2:39:40 - Forgiveness for a 4 year old's gaming skills?2:43:56 - Fallout Season 22:48:49 - Meta shutting down studios3:04:07 - Why doesn't Sea of Thieves get enough credit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If rumors about PlayStation 6 are true, then we're well into the back-half of PS5's tenure as Sony's primary console. And -- as is often the case at this point in a generation -- the releases are starting to pick up drastically, especially dramatic considering the sheer number of options on the market these days. Thus, it's time for the second of our two yearly traditions here on Sacred Symbols, as we pre-record a couple of holiday episodes for Christmas break. While we gathered last week to look back at the year that was, it's now time to look forward at the year to come. Each of us has chosen five games (for 15 total) that we're looking forward to. The only rules are that they have to be PS5-bound and either confirmed or assumed for release in '26. That's it! So let's get into it, and see if any of your personal favorites made our list. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/symbols ⁠and get on your way to being your best self Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SACRED and use code SACRED and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's be honest: This whole Light of Motiram thing was shady from the get-go. A game that blatantly rips off Guerrilla's Horizon franchise, created by the publisher-and-developer combo that was later revealed to have unsuccessfully pitched Sony a Horizon spin-off beforehand? They call that 'dead to rights.' And now it's official, because Sony's lawsuit against Tencent over this facsimile has been dropped with prejudice, and the game has been delisted from Steam. That's a win for PlayStation, and an even bigger win for creativity in the AAA space. We discuss. Plus: Sucker Punch co-founder, long-time producer, and studio lead Brian Fleming is officially retiring from the team after 28 years, Bungie's Marathon is slated to come to PS5 in March, Hollow Knight: Silksong is getting a free nautical expansion in '26, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Should we expect devs to lean more deeply into attractive characters? Do we think "made using AI" warnings will appear on games at some point in the near future? Who's to blame for Highguard's tepid response at The Game Awards? Is it strange if a wheelchair-bound listener wants to proudly wear a Stand Down shirt? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:37:46 - A nice note from William0:43:47 - Andrew and Steven0:52:25 - Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is out in some European countries0:53:55 - Light of Motiram case dropped1:02:24 - Sucker Punch's co-founder is leaving1:15:19 - Marathon gets a release month1:28:21 - Silksong sells 7 million with an expansion on the way1:31:05 - Ubisoft acquires an Amazon team1:32:32 - Mega Man Star Force Legacy collection announced1:35:14 - US sales data1:47:35 - What We’re Playing (Terminator 2D: NO FATE, Dying Light: The Beast, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, The Outer Worlds 2, Destiny 2: Renegades (The Star Wars Expansion), Skate Story, Tomba 2, Metroid Prime 4)2:11:17 - Featuring "attractive female characters"2:27:14 - Game studios and AI2:45:51 - Will the DRAM shortage effect consoles?2:53:46 - One handed gaming2:57:39 - Highguard3:08:25 - Games that will never get revived Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices