The video game industry is a landscape of constant evolution, where studios rise, fall, and sometimes, rise again. In a recent development, reports suggest that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has established a new internal studio staffed with former developers from Deviation Games. This news comes after Deviation’s unfortunate closure in March 2024, leaving their highly anticipated project unrealized.
This article explores the story behind Deviation Games’ closure, the potential for this new Sony studio, and what it might mean for the future of PlayStation exclusives.
Deviation Games: A Promising Start, An Unfortunate End
Founded in 2020 by industry veterans with extensive experience at Activision and specifically the Call of Duty franchise, Deviation Games set out to create a groundbreaking new IP. The studio attracted significant attention due to the pedigree of its founders, Jason Blundell and Dave Anthony, who had played key roles in Call of Duty’s development.
However, despite the promising start, Deviation’s journey was short-lived. In September 2022, Blundell departed the studio, followed by significant layoffs in May 2023, ultimately leading to Deviation’s complete closure just a year later. The nature of their unannounced project remains shrouded in secrecy.
A Phoenix Rising: Former Deviation Developers Find New Ground
While the closure of Deviation Games was met with disappointment, recent developments offer a glimmer of hope. According to LinkedIn profiles of several ex-Deviation employees, including Michael Anthony, a new studio has been formed within Sony Interactive Entertainment. This studio reportedly houses a significant number of individuals previously employed by Deviation, suggesting a potential transfer of talent and expertise.
Furthermore, Anthony’s LinkedIn post mentions the development of a “new intellectual property,” hinting at an original project in the works. This news has sparked speculation about the nature of this new studio’s focus. Could it be a continuation of Deviation’s original project or an entirely fresh concept?
What Does This Mean for PlayStation Studios?
The formation of this new studio signifies Sony’s commitment to bolstering its first-party development strength. The inclusion of experienced developers from Deviation, veterans of the FPS genre, could lead to the creation of a strong contender in the competitive shooter space, potentially filling the void left by the closure of Deviation itself.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. With limited details available, it’s too early to predict the studio’s specific focus or the timeline for their debut project. Nonetheless, this development adds an intriguing layer to the ever-evolving landscape of PlayStation Studios.
The Future Unfolds
The news surrounding Sony’s new studio and its connection to former Deviation Games developers is undeniably intriguing. Whether this marks the revival of a promising project or the birth of an entirely new venture, one thing remains clear: Sony is actively seeking to expand its first-party development capabilities. As details about this new studio and its projects emerge, one can be certain that PlayStation fans will be eagerly awaiting further information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What happened to the Deviation Games?
A: Deviation Games, founded in 2020 by industry veterans, closed in March 2024 after facing project setbacks and internal restructuring.
Q: Is the new Sony studio working on the same project Deviation Games was developing?
A: There’s no official confirmation. While the studio houses former Deviation developers, details about their current project remain unknown.
Q: What kind of games can we expect from the new Sony studio?
A: Information is scarce, but considering the team’s background, a focus on first-person shooter games is a possibility. However, they might also be working on a completely new genre.
