Summary
- PlayStation is apparently working on reviving “at least a couple of” classic IPs, as per a credible insider.
- The classic revivals are apparently based on “deep cut” PlayStation IPs and may be smaller in scope than the platform holder’s usual AAA projects.
- It remains to be seen whether these PlayStation revivals will materialize as remasters, remakes, or entirely new franchise entries.
A reputable insider has alleged that PlayStation is working on bringing back a handful of its dormant first-party franchises. This interesting update comes a week after PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst affirmed, somewhat vaguely, that the platform holder is constantly looking for opportunities to leverage its older IPs.
PlayStation has an enormous collection of game IPs under its belt, many of which have lain unused for decades. In recent years, though, a growing armada of PlayStation fans has been urging the platform holder to consider revisiting a handful of its beloved classic franchises. The success of Astro Bot hammered this point home further, as the 3D platformer delighted PlayStation fans with the way it incorporated nearly 200 themed cameos of characters affiliated with the brand. The introduction of the classics catalog for PS Plus Premium subscribers has contributed to the demand for the return of classic PlayStation IPs as well.
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It seems Sony has been listening, as it was recently confirmed that PlayStation is exploring opportunities to revive its legacy franchises. Welcome as the affirmation was, though, the lack of specificity left some PlayStation fans wondering whether it was simply a PR statement that may not amount to much in the future. However, notable industry insider Andy Robinson allayed these concerns in the latest episode of VGC: The Video Game Podcast, claiming to have knowledge of “at least a couple” of classic IP revivals in the works at PlayStation.
PlayStation Reportedly Developing “At Least a Couple” of Revivals of “Deep Cut” Classic IPs
Robinson didn’t delve into further detail about these supposed revivals, but described them as “deep cut, old IP stuff.” He also said that these projects will likely be modest in scope to bolster PlayStation’s future lineup of first-party releases. This clarification possibly rules out some of the more relevant dormant PlayStation IPs, such as Killzone, Infamous, Resistance, Sly Cooper, Jak and Daxter, and so on. It could very well be that obscure PlayStation franchises like The Getaway, Starhawk, Tokyo Jungle, The Legend of Dragoon, MAG, Heavenly Sword, Wild Arms, etc. are being earmarked for revivals in the near future.
Only time will tell if these purported PlayStation classic revivals will be remasters, remakes, reboots, or even direct continuations of the original games. It’s also worth contemplating whether PlayStation is developing them in-house or contracting them to an external studio. There’s some precedence for the latter scenario, as the upcoming Freedom Wars remaster is being developed by Dimps and will be published by Bandai Namco, even though Sony owns the Freedom Wars IP.
PlayStation 5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.