Sony’s direct-to-consumer gaming event returns with third-party and indie showcases plus updates from PlayStation Studios
PlayStation is done letting other people talk about their games. State of Play, Sony’s direct-to-consumer broadcast event, is returning Thursday, February 12, and the company is promising over 60 minutes of reveals, news, and insider knowledge straight from developers around the world. This is PlayStation’s way of cutting out the middleman no corporate press conferences, no gaming media filters, just Sony and the developers talking directly to fans about what’s coming to PS5.
- Sony’s direct-to-consumer gaming event returns with third-party and indie showcases plus updates from PlayStation Studios
- This year’s broadcast is happening Thursday at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT
- What should you expect to see?
- The timing is interesting strategically
- The format also democratizes gaming news in a way that traditional gaming media sometimes doesn’t
- If you’re a PlayStation fan, Thursday at 5 p.m. ET is non-negotiable
State of Play started back in March 2019 as Sony’s answer to Nintendo Direct, that long-running Nintendo event where the company basically shows you everything you need to know about upcoming games without any third-party commentary. The format has always been simple: announcements, gameplay footage, developer insights, and community engagement all packed into one focused broadcast. For PlayStation fans, it’s become the most reliable way to get actual news about what’s coming to the platform rather than waiting for rumors or speculation.
This year’s broadcast is happening Thursday at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT
Mark your calendar now because Sony’s only giving one window for this. The stream will be available on PlayStation’s YouTube and Twitch channels, so you’ve got options for where to watch. English is the primary language, but Japanese subtitles will be available for those who prefer them. The entire event should run just over an hour, so this isn’t some multi-hour marathon. It’s focused, efficient, and designed to get you the information you actually care about.
What should you expect to see?
PlayStation said the broadcast will spotlight “eye-catching third-party and indie games headed to PS5, along with the latest from teams at PlayStation Studios.” Translation: you’re getting a mix of major publisher announcements, smaller indie developer showcases, and updates from Sony’s own internal studios. That balance is what makes State of Play appealing to different types of gamers. If you’re into AAA blockbusters, PlayStation Studios will have something. If you’re into experimental indie titles, third-party publishers will deliver. Nobody leaves empty-handed.
The timing is interesting strategically
February is that weird in-between period after the chaos of January and before the spring release schedule really kicks into overdrive. It’s the perfect moment for Sony to generate hype and excitement about what’s coming without competing with too many other major gaming events. The next big gaming showcase is probably E3 territory in the spring, which means State of Play gets breathing room to actually matter to the gaming conversation.
State of Play has become essential viewing for PS5 owners over the past few years, and there’s a reason for that. These aren’t 20-minute soundbites or carefully curated PR statements. These are actual developers showing actual gameplay footage and talking about their actual games. There’s transparency that you don’t always get from traditional gaming press conferences. When a developer shows up on State of Play and talks about their game, you know it’s real and it’s coming.
The format also democratizes gaming news in a way that traditional gaming media sometimes doesn’t
Smaller indie developers get the same platform as massive publishers. A game from a team of 10 people can share stage time with a AAA blockbuster. That’s revolutionary for gaming, actually. It means innovation and creativity get visibility that they might not otherwise get waiting for traditional gaming media coverage.
If you’re a PlayStation fan, Thursday at 5 p.m. ET is non-negotiable
Clear your schedule. Silence your phone. Get comfortable because Sony’s about to tell you what’s coming to PS5 for the rest of 2026 and beyond. State of Play has consistently delivered announcements worth your time, and this year should be no different. PlayStation isn’t messing around anymore they want direct engagement with their community, and State of Play is their megaphone.
