Sony's Secret Los Angeles Studio: A New AAA IP in the Works
Sony Interactive Entertainment has quietly established a new AAA game studio in Los Angeles, California, as revealed through a recent job posting. This marks Sony's 20th first-party studio and adds to its impressive roster of acclaimed developers. The studio is currently shrouded in secrecy, but it's confirmed to be developing a groundbreaking, original AAA title for the PlayStation 5.
The news has generated significant excitement among PlayStation fans, who eagerly anticipate updates on upcoming projects from established studios like Santa Monica Studio, Naughty Dog, and Insomniac Games. Sony's strategic acquisitions of studios like Housemarque, Bluepoint Games, and Firesprite in recent years have further fueled this anticipation.
Speculation regarding the identity of this new studio is rife. One theory points to a team spun off from Bungie following layoffs in July 2024, where a significant number of employees transitioned to Sony Interactive Entertainment. This team was reportedly working on a project codenamed "Gummybears."
Another strong contender is the team led by industry veteran Jason Blundell, formerly a co-founder of Deviation Games. Deviation Games, which was developing a AAA PS5 title, unfortunately closed in March 2024. However, many of its former employees, including Blundell, subsequently joined PlayStation, suggesting the possibility that their project is continuing under Sony's banner. Given the longer gestation period of Blundell's team, this scenario seems more likely.
While details remain scarce, and a formal announcement from Sony is likely years away, the existence of this new studio assures fans that yet another exciting PlayStation first-party game is on the horizon. The nature of Blundell's team's project remains a mystery, but speculation suggests it could be a continuation or a reimagining of Deviation Games' previously unannounced title.