Summary
A prominent leaker within thePlayStationcommunity has stated thata hit title from the PSVR era might be getting another sequel announced within the next few weeks, also a follow-up to an unexpected PS5 exclusive. However, people shouldn’t expect it to be coming to the PSVR 2. Instead, all signs point to a newAstro Bottitle bringing another exclusive to the PlayStation 5.
This expectation comes from leakerbillbil-kun(via X, formerly Twitter), reporting forDealabs Magazine. Specifically, billbil-kun states that theAstro Botfranchise could see a return via an announcement made in the next 15 days (from May 24).
The new game from Team Asobi is reportedly titledAstro Bot, a simplistic departure fromAstro Bot Rescue MissionandAstro’s Playroom. The latter was a pack-in game for PlayStation 5 consoles, and has garnered a sympathetic reputation as an interesting platformer in its own right. The allegedPS5 exclusivity ofAstro Botwould suggest something of a more direct sequel toAstro’s Playroom,rather than a return to the character’s VR roots.
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Within 15 days putsAstro Bot’s potential announcement within a big week for gaming in early June, which includes Summer Game Fest’s opening night, which will be live at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles June 7. The game could also be shown via a PlayStation Showcase, and dropping a reveal trailer for a newAstro Bottitle would certainly get people’s attention, given the reception to the first two titles in the series.Astro Bot Rescue Missionwas released in 2018 for the PlayStation VR and critical reception was positive for it, earning an aggregate score of 90 onMetacritic.
Although a PSVR 2 sequel toAstro Bot Rescue Missionseems like an obvious route, and could potentially bolster the platform’s library, a dedicated follow-up toAstro’s Playroomalso makes a lot of sense. One reason is likely to be because of the lack of sales for the new VR headset. In March 2024,Sony halted production of the headsetbecause of slowing sales, likely due to a lack of meaningful games to play on it and the steep price.
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In contrast, the PlayStation 5 has sold over 59 million units as of May 2024, and came withAstro’s Playroomat launch. Furthermore, Sony has been going through a bit of restructuring lately, withmore titles possibly coming to Steam, and likely desires to have as many exclusive titles on thePlayStationsystem as possible. Sony likely feels it will be able to sell more copies of the newAstro Botgame as a sequel toAstro’s Playroomon its console versus the stalling headset, though leaked information still leaves things relatively up in the air.
Sources:billbil-kun/X,Deadlabs Magazine,Metacritic
PlayStation 5
The fifth flagship video game console from Sony Computer Entertainment, the PlayStation 5, is a part of the ninth generation of consoles. The console features full backwards compatibility with PlayStation 4 games and features a digital storefront that gives access to older generations. The console can output images at 4K resolution, with alternative options including 1440p at 120 frames per second for gameplay. This console is also known for implementing 3D audio, which allows headphones to be connected to the console for simulated spatially accurate audio.
