Developed by indie studio Counterplay Games, the Gearbox-published Godfall - a so-called "looter-slasher" - is the first new IP to be announced for PlayStation 5. Gearbox is well-known as the studio behind the Borderlands looter-shooter franchise, to the company seems like a logical choice to publish a game of this style.
Sony revealed in October that its next generation console would, as many could have guessed, be called the PlayStation 5. The company said the PS5 will release during holiday 2020, but few games have been announced for the system so far. Games in new franchises like Bethesda's Starfield have been described as "next-generation" titles, as Starfield was when it was announced in 2018, but Godfall appears to be the first game not in an existing franchise to be officially announced for a specific next-gen console.
Gearbox revealed the debut trailer for Godfall at The Game Awards 2019. The trailer showcases in-engine footage of three heavily-armored characters facing off against a giant, hydra-like monster. The game appears to take place in a sort of rain-filled, apocalyptic world, where players will take on mythical creatures together. In a press release, Gearbox described Godfall as a third-person fantasy action RPG with "high-impact" melee combat. As is common for loot-based multiplayer online games like Destiny 2, players will defeat enemies cooperatively in search of powerful gear. Counterplay noted that the developer is putting an emphasis on rewarding skill in combat, as well. Godfall players can team up in teams of two or three, but Gearbox said the game can be played solo, as well.
The Game Awards featured many other game announcements, including a new Hellblade sequel called Senua's Saga. Perhaps the most significant Game Awards 2019 announcement, however, was the reveal of the new Xbox console's name: the Xbox Series X. The console - which happens to look particularly boxy - was demonstrated with the reveal of Senua's Saga, showcasing the system's powerful graphical abilities. While Sony's console naming conventions provided a logical next step for its latest model, the progression of Microsoft's devices was less clear.
Godfall looks to be an impressive launch title for Sony's system, but it's possible that it will come to the Xbox One as well. Gamers anticipating this next generation of Sony and Microsoft's gaming consoles is likely looking forward to each console's first-party exclusive titles. Microsoft has Halo Infinite (which is rumored to be the most expensive game ever), but that game will also release on the Xbox One, and Sony has yet to announce its new titles. Fans will likely have to wait a while to learn of any truly next-gen-exclusive first-party titles.
Godfall is set to release in late 2020. It has been officially announced for PS5 and PC, but Counterplay Games' website says it is coming to "next-gen consoles."
Source: Gearbox Publishing