Games Inbox: Will State of Play 2026 be worth staying up for?

Staying Up for Summer Game Fest

It's the night before Summer Game Fest, and the anticipation is building. For some, the excitement is palpable, while for others, it's a case of 'maybe I'll stay up, maybe I won't'. I get it. I've been there too. The organisers, it seems, are not too concerned about Europe, listing the start time on their website as 9pm GMT - leaving some of us wondering if we'll even make it to the start.

The State of Play Conundrum

The question on everyone's mind is: will State of Play 2026 be worth staying up for? It's a valid concern, especially when you consider the line-up of games that have been announced so far. Some of us are holding out for Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Alien: Isolation 2, Devil May Cry 6, and a new FromSoftware game. Others are hoping for a glimpse of the Star Wars XCOM clone. And then there's the possibility of Sony showing off Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a game that's been shrouded in mystery.

The Wolverine Effect

For some, the excitement is all about Wolverine. Casper, a reader, can't get enough of the game, praising its linear approach and weighty combat. 'It seems like it'll be filled with spectacular set pieces,' he writes. 'I can understand frustrations that most AAA games don't really do anything new, but I'm having a ton of fun with 007 First Light, which is essentially Hitman x Uncharted, so Batman: Arkham x Uncharted will do me for Wolverine.' It's clear that Casper is a fan of the game, and the new God Of War, which also looked 'amazing' in the latest trailer.

The Rayman Legacy

But not everyone is convinced. Magnumstache, another reader, is a fan of the original Rayman Legends, and is concerned that the reboot has done away with the music rhythm sections at the end of levels. 'I do quite like the 2.5 D visuals,' he writes, 'but I'm a bit concerned these new Panzer Dragoon style sections have replaced the music rhythm sections. That would be a real shame as I loved those bits.' It's a valid concern, especially for fans of the original game.

The Verdict

So, will State of Play 2026 be worth staying up for? It's a tough call, especially when you consider the uncertainty surrounding the start time. But one thing's for sure: there's a lot to look forward to. From the new God Of War to Wolverine, and from the Star Wars XCOM clone to Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, there's something for everyone. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's see what Summer Game Fest has in store for us.