The Game Awards 2024 highlighted an exciting trend: gamers can expect a resurgence of beloved classic franchises in the near future. The announcement of several new titles from long-forgotten series has encouraged many developers and publishers, including Sony, to consider bringing back these classic IPs. In a recent interview with Famitsu, PlayStation CEO Herman Hulst mentioned that the company is “constantly looking into” ways to revive older IP, suggesting that Sony Interactive Entertainment may be planning new games for some of its dormant franchises. While fresh rumors have sparked even more speculation, fans should temper their excitement for now.
Industry insider Andy Robinson recently mentioned on VGC: The Video Game Podcast that Sony is working on “at least a couple” of projects aimed at bringing back older intellectual properties. However, it’s worth noting that this is just the latest in a series of rumors about similar efforts. There were reports that Sony intended to revive the beloved Twisted Metal series, coinciding with the release of its live-action adaptation, but those plans ultimately fell through. While Sony seems to be focusing on reviving some IPs, they may not be the ones fans are hoping for.
Astro Bot’s Success Seems to Prime Many Classic PlayStation IPs for a Series Revival
It’s not unexpected that Sony seems to be drawing inspiration from its past while planning for the future, especially after the success and Game of the Year accolade of Astro Bot. This game takes players on a nostalgic journey back to the heyday of 3D platformers from the 5th and 6th console generations, showcasing how a well-crafted solo experience can provide great value. Additionally, Astro Bot serves as a tribute to the PlayStation brand’s rich history, featuring memorable appearances from both first and third-party characters throughout the console’s legacy.
Astro Bot’s success certainly highlights the potential for Sony to think about bringing back some of its older IPs, but it doesn’t ensure that they will actually take that step. It’s important not to confuse the widespread praise for Astro Bot and the fond memories of PlayStation’s history with a real commitment from Sony to revive those classic franchises featured in the game. So, while fans would be thrilled to see a new Ape Escape title, the inclusion of an Ape Escape-themed level in Astro Bot doesn’t necessarily increase the chances of that happening any more than before the game’s launch.
Which Franchises Are Likely and Unlikely For PlayStation to Revive
Fans’ affection for older, inactive franchises in Sony’s vast collection of IP is completely understandable. These games were instrumental in building the PlayStation brand and have been cherished across generations of hardware. Yet, the very success of these titles has led their creators to explore new and often more rewarding projects. Although Sony may be interested in reviving some of these classic franchises, there are certain titles that are unlikely to return due to the developers’ ongoing work.
It seems that Naughty Dog isn’t planning to bring back Jak and Daxter in the near future, as they are currently focused on their newly announced project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Likewise, any chances of reviving Killzone or Resistance depend on Guerrilla Games and Insomniac Games being free to take on those projects, but their ongoing work on Horizon and Marvel games is their top priority. When it comes to franchises that might have a better chance of making a comeback, here are a few that could be more likely:
- Ape Escape
- Twisted Metal
- The Legend of Dragoon
- Fat Princess
- Everybody’s Golf
Naturally, this isn’t a complete rundown of all first-party Sony franchises, but it highlights the IPs that haven’t had a significant release in multiple console generations and whose development teams aren’t currently focused on other projects.