Sony is finally giving PS5 indies the platform they deserve - but is it too late?
Opinion: It’s about time
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Sonyhas published aspotlight blog post, highlighting new PlayStation indie reveals and updates.
The post focused on seven upcoming indie titles which are coming toPS4orPS5(or, in some cases both), including roguelikeHades, charming adventure A Short Hike, reverse-horror experience Carrion and Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals.
But while it’s good to see Sony shining the light on these upcoming indie gems, it also feels like it’s a little too late.
Growing unrest
Sony came under fire earlier this year from indie developers who claimed that the company was failing to support smaller game developers.
Back in June, Ian Garner, a co-founder of indie studio Neon Doctrine, posted aTwitter threadclaiming that “Platform X” (which Garner later confirmed toBloombergto be PlayStation) gives indie developers “no ability to manage their games” and forces them to “jump through hoops” for promotions. “If Platform X doesn’t like your game, no fanfare, no feature, no love,” Garner claimed. In an interview with Bloomberg, Garner also claimed that Sony ran a video seminar encouraging developers to pay $25,000 to be featured on the front page of the PlayStation Store - a large amount for smaller developers.
Further indie developers shared theirexperiencesof working with Sony onTwitterand in interviews withpublications, claiming that other platforms, such as Xbox and Nintendo, were easier to work with and that Sony’s focus primarily lies with AAA titles - leaving indie developers out in the cold.
OK. I am mad enough to burn some bridges. Because honestly, what’s the point of a bridge that I am not allowed to cross.So here is a thread about Platform X. I will not be defining Platform X but it’s the operator of a very successful console and does not have Games Pass! pic.twitter.com/OJ2ZJz9BNyJune 30, 2021
A focus on blockbusters
Sony’s focus is reportedly often on its own first-party blockbuster AAA titles.Bloombergreported back in April that Sony’s Visual Arts studio was initially working on aThe Last of Us remakefor PS5, before Naughty Dog took over the project instead.
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Bloomberg’s report stated that Visual Arts planned to make The Last of Us remake have a “similar look and feel” toThe Last of Us 2, which was in development at the time, so the games could be packaged together upon release.
According to the report, Visual Arts also pitched a remake of the first Uncharted game for PS5 to Sony. “That idea quickly fizzled because it would be expensive and require too much added design work,” the report reads. “Instead, the team settled on a remake of Naughty Dog’s 2013 melancholic zombie hit, The Last of Us.”
Bloomberg’s report, claims that this “obsession” with blockbusters is causing unrest within the PlayStation empire.
Too little too late?
Sony has been posting blog posts semi-regularly highlighting upcoming indie games. However, this shifting focus towards indie games feels a little too late and it’s a shame. Indie games often provide some of the most unique gaming experiences out there and, typically, are considerably more affordable.
Both Nintendo andMicrosoftprovide platforms that laud indies. Microsoft has a specificID@Xboxprogram that regularly showcases a range of intriguing indie games coming to Xbox andXbox Game Passis packed with indie titles. Similarly, Nintendo often puts a large focus on indie titles in its Nintendo Direct showcases.
However, it feels like Sony often puts its blockbusters center stage. This spotlight by Sony is welcome but I would like to see more indie games getting their deserved share of the spotlight with the PS5 generation. I want to see them featured heavily during the next Sony State of Play or being featured on the PlayStation Storefront. After all, with PS5 exclusives averaging around £70/$70, players need to know there are more affordable, unique experiences out there.
An award-winning games journalist, with seven years of experience in games journalism and a degree in journalism from City University, London, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer, The Telegraph, VG247, Dot Esports and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel, as she’s previously appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Ulster and more. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she’s appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.
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