PlayStation is doing something different tonight. For the first time ever, Sony is hosting a region-specific State of Play dedicated entirely to games created in Japan and across Asia. The 40-minute broadcast kicks off at 2pm Pacific Time on November 11, and the gaming community is already buzzing about what could be revealed during this unexpected showcase.
The announcement caught most people off guard since Sony typically doesn’t host multiple State of Play events this close together. The last major showcase happened in September with big reveals for Marvel’s Wolverine and Housemarque’s Saros. Now, barely two months later, we’re getting another presentation, suggesting Sony has been saving some announcements specifically for this Japan-focused event.
How to Watch State of Play Japan
The broadcast airs exclusively on YouTube at these times across different regions. North American viewers can tune in at 2pm PT or 5pm ET on November 11. UK audiences should watch at 10pm GMT, while European fans need to catch it at 11pm CET. For viewers in Japan, the presentation begins at 7am JST on November 12, and Indian audiences can watch at 3:30am IST on November 12.
There are two viewing options available. The Japanese PlayStation YouTube channel will stream the full presentation in Japanese without subtitles. The main PlayStation YouTube channel will feature the same Japanese audio but with English subtitles for international audiences. Both streams are already scheduled and ready to go.
One unique twist for this event is that it features a host. Japanese voice actor Yuki Kaji will guide viewers through the presentation. Kaji is incredibly popular in anime circles, known for voicing Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia, and Sabito in Demon Slayer. His involvement suggests Sony wants this to feel more like a Japanese gaming celebration rather than a typical corporate showcase.
What Games Could Appear
Sony hasn’t confirmed any specific titles, but the focus on Japan and Asia narrows down the possibilities considerably. Several games seem like obvious candidates based on their development studios and previous PlayStation marketing.
Phantom Blade Zero
This wuxia-inspired action RPG from Chinese developer S-GAME has been heavily featured in PlayStation marketing since its reveal. The studio previously stated they would announce a release date before the end of 2025, and this State of Play seems like the perfect opportunity. The game has generated massive buzz, especially in Asian markets, making it an ideal showcase title for this regional presentation.
Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls
Arc System Works, the legendary Japanese studio behind Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ, is developing this Marvel fighting game in collaboration with Sony and Marvel Games. First announced at a State of Play in June 2025, the game is scheduled for a 2026 release on PS5 and PC. A Japanese-focused showcase would be the natural place to reveal gameplay footage, character roster details, or a more specific launch window.
Major Japanese Franchises
Resident Evil Requiem from Capcom is set to launch in 2026 and would fit perfectly into this presentation. Capcom also has Onimusha Way of the Sword and the mysterious sci-fi title Pragmata in development, both of which could make appearances. Bandai Namco’s catalog includes potential surprises like new Ace Combat or Tales series announcements.
Square Enix remains a wildcard. While Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 seems too big for this event, updates on smaller projects or indie collaborations could definitely show up. Kingdom Hearts 4 is another possibility, though that franchise typically gets its own dedicated announcements.
The Indie Wildcard Factor
Sony specifically mentioned distinctive indie creations in their announcement, which opens up fascinating possibilities. Japan and Asia have vibrant indie development scenes that often get overlooked in favor of AAA blockbusters. This State of Play could shine a spotlight on smaller teams creating unique experiences.
PlayStation has been investing heavily in indie games through their China Hero Project and other regional initiatives. These programs help fund and promote games from Asian developers who might not otherwise get international exposure. Expect at least a few surprises from studios most Western audiences have never heard of.
What Sony Promised
According to the official PlayStation Blog announcement, the show will be packed with announcements and updates on games from beloved series alongside distinctive indie creations. There will also be developer interviews giving creators a chance to discuss their projects directly with the audience.
Sony mentioned a few other exciting updates beyond just game announcements, which is deliberately vague language that could mean anything. Hardware announcements seem unlikely for a Japan-focused event, but regional service expansions, PlayStation Plus additions, or partnership announcements could definitely happen.
The 40-minute runtime is substantial. For comparison, typical State of Play broadcasts run between 20 to 30 minutes. The extra length suggests Sony has a lot to show, whether that’s several major announcements or deeper dives into fewer games with extended gameplay footage and interviews.
Why Now Makes Strategic Sense
Hosting a Japan and Asia-focused State of Play isn’t just about celebrating regional development. It’s smart business. The Asian gaming market represents a massive portion of PlayStation’s revenue, and showing dedicated attention to games from that region strengthens Sony’s relationship with both developers and consumers.
The timing also avoids competing with other major gaming events. The Game Awards will dominate December with its own announcements. This November window lets Sony control the narrative and ensure these games get proper attention rather than getting lost in the noise of year-end showcases.
PlayStation has been deliberately cultivating relationships with Asian developers beyond Japan. Chinese studios in particular have been producing high-quality games that appeal to global audiences. Black Myth Wukong became a massive hit in 2024, proving that Asian-developed games can compete with Western AAA productions on equal footing.
Managing Your Expectations
While excitement is understandable, it’s worth tempering expectations about what this event will and won’t include. This is specifically a Japan and Asia showcase, which means most Western-developed PlayStation exclusives probably won’t appear. Don’t expect updates on games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 3, God of War, Horizon, or other major Sony franchises developed outside the region.
Sony’s first-party lineup is heavily Western-based these days. Team Asobi in Tokyo is one of the few internal Sony studios in Japan, but they just launched Astro Bot in September. A major announcement from them seems premature, though DLC or smaller updates could happen.
The focus on Japan and Asia is the whole point of this event. That regional specificity is what makes it unique and interesting, but it also naturally limits the scope of what will appear.
FAQs
When does State of Play Japan air?
State of Play Japan airs on November 11, 2025, at 2pm PT, 5pm ET, 10pm GMT, or on November 12 at 7am JST and 3:30am IST. The broadcast lasts more than 40 minutes.
Where can I watch State of Play Japan?
The event streams exclusively on YouTube. The main PlayStation channel will feature Japanese audio with English subtitles, while the PlayStation Japan channel will have Japanese audio only.
What games will be shown at State of Play Japan?
Sony hasn’t confirmed specific titles, but likely candidates include Phantom Blade Zero, Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, Resident Evil Requiem, and various indie games from Japan and Asia. The focus is on games created in those regions.
Who is hosting State of Play Japan?
Japanese voice actor Yuki Kaji will host the event. He’s famous for voicing characters like Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan and Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia.
Will there be English subtitles?
Yes, the main PlayStation YouTube channel stream will feature Japanese audio with English subtitles for international audiences.
Is this the last State of Play for 2025?
Sony hasn’t officially confirmed this is the final State of Play for 2025, but the timing suggests it’s likely the last major showcase before The Game Awards in December and the new year.
Will any PlayStation exclusives be announced?
Possibly, but expect them to be from Japanese or Asian developers. Most of Sony’s internal studios are Western-based, so major first-party titles like Spider-Man or God of War are unlikely to appear.
Conclusion
State of Play Japan represents a refreshing change of pace for PlayStation’s showcase format. Rather than trying to appeal to every market simultaneously, Sony is celebrating the incredible talent coming from Japan and Asia with a dedicated presentation that lets those games shine.
The 40-minute runtime and promise of announcements, updates, and developer interviews suggest this won’t just be a quick sizzle reel. Sony clearly has substantial content to share, and the regional focus means these games might get deeper coverage than they would in a more general showcase where they’d compete for time with bigger Western franchises.
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting Phantom Blade Zero, curious about Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, or just want to discover new games you’ve never heard of, tonight’s State of Play should deliver. The fact that Sony felt confident enough to host an entire presentation focused on one region speaks volumes about the quality and variety of games being developed there. Set your alarms, grab your snacks, and get ready to see what Japan and Asia have been cooking up for PlayStation.