While Until Dawn might be one of Sony’s new IPs this generation, it didn’t seem to get the marketing push as some of the publisher’s other first-party games.
At this year’s Tokyo Game Show, PlayStation LifeStyle’s Heath Hindman asked this very question to Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida who confirmed that nope, it’s not some deep seated conspiracy, but rather, it’s about regional marketing and budget.
PlayStation LifeStyle: How do you determine the level of marketing and promotion that a game gets before launch? It seems like some critical darlings and good-sellers (recent example: Until Dawn) get little push compared to some others. What are the deciding factors?
Yoshida: Each region has its own marketing department with its own goals for a year and its own budget for the year. Of course there are lots of relations among the regions and Worldwide Studios, but differences could be based on the popularity, like of the genres or titles. Each marketing department makes the final decision how much a particular product gets pushed.
That said, sometimes games like Until Dawn find great reception from reviews and consumers after launch. In that case, some additional marketing push can be created to sustain the momentum post-launch. I hear great support continuing in all regions [for Until Dawn]. It’s not like Uncharted, but still, our marketing departments are responsive to the reactions from consumers.
Fortunately for Supermassive Games, Until Dawn did quite well for itself even without Sony’s hefty marketing muscle to push it along. And due to the nature of its gameplay, even managed to be YouTube’s top trending game for the month.
Let’s hope Sony markets Until Dawn this Halloween for an added sales push, no? Unless, y’know, you don’t want to see a sequel.
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PS4 f2p
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AirMech Arena
Out Now?
Yes, AirMech Arena came out earlier this year in May.
What's the Hook?
The successor of 1989's Herzog Zwei, AirMech Arena is a futuristic MOBA with several different types of modes. It is perfect if you are looking for a MOBA with more types of gameplay.
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Battle Islands
Out Now?
Yes, came out October 29, 2014 worldwide.
What's the Hook?
Battle Islands is a World War 2 themed strategy game that has mobile origins. Completely rebuilt for consoles, Battle Islands is worth checking out if you are a history buff thanks to its authenticity.
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Blacklight: Retribution
Out Now?
Yes, Blacklight: Retribution was a launch title.
What's the Hook?
If you are looking to play a serious first-person shooter, but don't feel like paying for Call of Duty, then you won't do any better than Blacklight: Retribution. This is a solid FPS at the perfect price of entry.
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DC Universe Online
Out Now?
Yes, DC Universe Online launched alongside the system.
What's the Hook?
If you love comic books and are looking for an MMO to soak dozens, if not hundreds, of hours into then DC Universe Online is for you. With famous characters such as Superman and Batman making appearances, there is plenty for superhero fans to love!
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Deep Down
Out Now?
No release window is currently known.
What's the Hook?
Announced by Capcom alongside the PlayStation 4, Deep Down is a dungeon crawler with multiplayer. While not a ton is known about this delayed title, it is one of Capcom's major games in development.
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Dragon's Dogma Online
Out Now?
Yes, but only in Japan.
What's the Hook?
Capcom's action RPG series is coming to PlayStation 4, but not exactly like its previous entries. Unlike the last two releases, Dragon's Dogma Online will be free to play. It will feature cross-play between PS4, PS3 and PC.
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Drawn to Death
Out Now?
There is currently no set date.
What's the Hook?
Twisted Metal and God of War creator David Jaffe is back with Drawn to Death. A free-to-play third-person shooter with a beautiful notebook art style.
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Guns Up!
Out Now?
No date is currently given for Valkyrie Entertainment's strategy game.
What's the Hook?
Guns Up! is a unique take on war. Instead of controlling soldiers directly, players purchase what types of weapons their soldiers will use. It looked great at E3, so this is one to look out for.
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Hustle Kings
Out Now?
Yes, the free-to-play version of Hustle Kings released in early 2015.
What's the Hook?
Want to play virtual pool? If so, Hustle Kings is just as fun on PlayStation 4 as it was on PS3 and Vita.
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Invokers Tournament
Out Now?
Yes, Invokers Tournament released in 2014.
What's the Hook?
While many MOBAs take a long time to finish a match, Invokers Tournament's 3v3 online matches offer up a shorter alternative. There are even offline single-player missions, meaning there is something for everyone.
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Kill Strain
Out Now?
No, but it is expected out in 2015.
What's the Hook?
Sony San Diego's Kill Strain is a top-down action game that is designed to be free-to-play done right. Its infection-style multiplayer will allow enemies to become allies during matches.
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Let It Die
Out Now?
There is currently no set date for Let It Die.
What's the Hook?
Suda 51's upcoming hack and slash game looks to be his most violent title yet. Let It Die also features a unique death mechanic that finds dead players turning up in other player's games. This is one of the most intriguing free-to-play games currently in development.
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Loadout
Out Now?
Loadout released in December 2014.
What's the Hook?
If you are looking for a wacky third-person shooter that doesn't take itself too seriously, then you'll love Loadout. Filled with personality, there is a lot of fun to be had!
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Magic Duels: Origins
Out Now?
No, it will release in 2015, though.
What's the Hook?
Magic Duels: Origins is the successor to Duels of the Planeswalkers, and has a new free-to-play format. All cards will be able to be earned in-game, however. We're looking forward to checking out this new format later this year!
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Planetside 2
Out Now?
Yes, it came out earlier this year.
What's the Hook?
Planetside 2 is a great example of an MMO and FPS hybrid. If you want to sink hours into an MMO, but don't dig the typical RPG combat, then the shooting found in Planetside 2 should feel refreshing.
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Spelunker Z
Out Now?
Yes, but only in Japan.
What's the Hook?
Spelunker Z is the latest entry in the Spelunker series that has roots on the Atari. This free-to-play exploration game will have players going through dangerous caves with their trusty dog. If you have a Japanese PSN ID then there is no reason to not check it out!
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Trans-Galactic Tournament
Out Now?
Yes, it is currently available as a beta.
What's the Hook?
Trans-Galactic Tournament is the latest MOBA on PlayStation 4. What makes Kiz Studios' game stand out from the rest is that it is designed from the ground up for PS4. Featuring 4v4 matches, it is the most complete MOBA experience on the console.
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War Thunder
Out Now?
Yes, War Thunder released in 2013.
What's the Hook?
Gaijin Entertainment's MMO flight sim is unlike any other game you'll find on PlayStation 4. Featuring over 300 vehicles, War Thunder brings World War 2 battles to life.
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Warframe
Out Now?
Yes, it launched alongside the PlayStation 4.
What's the Hook?
Warframe is arguably the best free-to-play game on the market. This excellent third-person shooter features fast, and exciting gameplay. Throw in online co-op, and players can put hundreds of hours in with friends.
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PS4 F2P Games – A Look at Current and Upcoming Titles
