Sony’s November 11 State of Play didn’t aim for shock value, but it didn’t need to. Instead, the showcase built a roadmap—stacked with RPG revivals, horror remakes, indie surprises, and DLCs that will carry players well into 2026.
The 40-minute stream focused on titles from Japan and Asian studios, highlighting PlayStation’s continued partnership with developers across the region. From Dragon Quest VII Reimagined to new expansions for Elden Ring and Monster Hunter Wilds, the event showed Sony is ready to keep its momentum through the new year.
Still, many fans watching the broadcast were holding their breath for something that never came. Rumors leading up to the event had heavily hinted at two long-requested appearances: a Bloodborne remake or remaster, and a fresh look at Kingdom Hearts 4. Neither materialized. The disappointment was loud across social platforms, with fans flooding comment sections and Reddit threads to express frustration that the gothic classic and Disney crossover both remain missing in action. For many, that absence overshadowed some of the smaller—but still impressive—reveals that did make the cut.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Headlines the Show
Square Enix took the spotlight early with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, a full remake of the beloved PlayStation-era RPG. The trailer confirmed a February 5, 2026 release for PS5 and introduced a new chapter featuring an adult Keifa, adding fresh narrative weight to the classic time-travel adventure.
The visuals have been completely reworked for modern hardware, keeping the painterly art style that defines the series. It’s the kind of nostalgia play that resonates deeply with longtime fans—and shows Square Enix’s commitment to its roots.
FromSoftware Returns to the Shadows
FromSoftware fans finally got their long-awaited update. Elden Ring: Nightreign’s first major expansion, The Forsaken Hollows, launches December 4, 2025. The trailer teased two new playable classes—the Scholar and the Undertaker—plus new regions, dungeons, and bosses steeped in the developer’s signature atmosphere.
While brief, the reveal made it clear that the DLC will lean into high-risk exploration and lore expansion rather than just pure challenge—a balance that might recapture the tone of the base game’s golden path.
Horror Makes a Comeback
The State of Play also had a surprising horror streak. BrokenLore: Unfollow will release January 16, 2026, bringing back the psychological anthology’s blend of folklore and fear. Its follow-up, BrokenLore: Ascend, set in Tokyo, arrives later that summer.
Koei Tecmo brought one of the biggest nostalgia punches of the day: Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. Due out March 12, 2026, the remake rebuilds the 2003 cult classic from the ground up with modern lighting, camera work, and motion capture, while retaining the eerie tone that made it unforgettable.
Action and Indie Highlights
Fighting and action fans had plenty to look forward to. Arc System Works revealed BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X, a roguelike spin-off that mixes fighting game mechanics with roguelite progression. It hits PS5 on February 12, 2026.
Other standout reveals included Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, which opens a closed beta on December 5; Kyouran Makaism from the Disgaea team, launching January 29; and Coffee Talk Tokyo, a narrative spin-off arriving March 5 that blends slice-of-life storytelling with supernatural café vibes.
DLCs and Live Game Updates
Sony also gave airtime to a few of its key live-service titles. Dynasty Warriors: Origins received a January 22 DLC update, while Monster Hunter Wilds teased its fourth major content drop on December 16, featuring a new Elder Dragon siege event.
Racing fans got a pleasant surprise: Gran Turismo 7’s Power Pack expansion launches December 4, adding endurance events and full weekend simulations to deepen the career mode.
A Quick Hardware Update
Sony briefly shifted gears to hardware, revealing a 27-inch PlayStation-branded monitor with a 1440p resolution, up to 240Hz refresh rate, and a built-in DualSense charging hook. The monitor launches in Japan and the U.S. in early 2026. The company also confirmed a lower-priced PS5 Digital Edition for Japan, positioned as an affordable entry point for new buyers.
Looking Ahead
PlayStation’s November State of Play was less about megaton surprises and more about setting a confident tone for 2026. Between Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Elden Ring: The Forsaken Hollows, Fatal Frame II Remake, and a slate of indie curveballs, the message was clear—Sony’s ecosystem is thriving, and variety is its greatest weapon.
Still, the event’s quieter pacing left space for bigger questions. With Bloodborne and Kingdom Hearts 4 still absent, many viewers are wondering when those long-awaited updates will finally surface. For now, it looks like fans will have to keep waiting—and keep speculating—while PlayStation builds toward what’s shaping up to be a very full 2026.
