Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is stealing the spotlight from Starfield, all thanks to Venom

It's easy to see this as an "innocent" mistake but Sony's marketing team is smart enough to know what they're doing. Regardless, as a result, the internet has now dubbed the iconic Spider-Man villain as "Daddy Venom.

Ultimately, the reality is that the provocative marketing has done its job. It doesn't matter if it's intentional or not, but it drew attention to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and the now-phased out Collector's Edition, which scalpers have targeted since its initial announcement.

Then again, it's not as if Marvel's Spider-Man 2 needed more hype. The sequel, set to launch on October 20 exclusively for the PlayStation 5, is already high on the list of most-anticipated games of the year. The Collector's Edition, priced at $229.99, also includes a steelbook display case and digital pre-order bonuses, adding to its allure.

But the game isn't all about suggestive taglines and collectible statues. Developer Insomniac Games has rolled out new gameplay elements that turn you into an acrobatic dynamo, along with fresh takes on Venom and other villains. They've also ramped up accessibility features, allowing players to fully customize their gaming experience. Then there's the file size - 98GB - which hints at a game world potentially larger than its predecessor, suggesting a more content-rich experience for players.

While the Collector's Edition's "19 inches of Venom" has dominated social media chatter, it's clear this is just the tip of the iceberg for what Marvel's Spider-Man 2 can offer. Beyond the statue and the Twitter hoopla, the game promises a fully immersive superhero experience.

With the momentum generated by this unexpected viral moment, the future looks bright for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, in terms of sales and cultural impact. In an era where game releases often risk drowning in the sheer volume of available content, a little viral marketing - even if it borders on the risqué - can go a long way.

So whether you're in it for the 19 inches of sculpted Venom or for the acrobatic thrill of slinging between skyscrapers as Spider-Man, one thing is certain: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is an unforgettable addition to the PlayStation 5's growing library of hit titles.

Speaking of the PlayStation, the flagship console was recently brought up when an insider used it as a comparison for the performance of the next Nintendo console. Finally, it's believed that Sony is working on a new Astro Bot game.