Why PlayStation fans should approach the rumored IP revivals with caution

If the 2024 Game Awards proved anything, it's that gamers are in for a golden age of classic IP revivals in the coming years. Of course, the unveiling of several new games in long-dormant franchises prompted many developers and publishers to explore the prospect of reviving classic IPs, including Sony. PlayStation CEO Herman Hulst made the comments in a recent interview with Famitsu that the company is “continually looking for opportunities” to revive older IPs, perhaps indicating that Sony Interactive Entertainment is planning some new titles in flagging franchises. New rumors surrounding this idea have only added fuel to the fire of speculation, but fans should keep their excitement in check.

Reliable industry insider Andy Robinson recently shared on VGC: The Video Game Podcast that Sony currently has “at least a few” projects in development where the studio will revive older IPs, but it's important to note that this is just that The latest rumor is a long series of leaks pointing to similar initiatives. Just in time for the start of the Twisted metal Sony reportedly planned to revive this classic Car Combat series (a staple of the PS1's early lineup), but those plans never came to fruition. Sony may be reviving IP, but fans may not be thinking about it.

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Any major PlayStation cameo from Astro Bot is still missing

Astro Bot's cheeky nods to both famous and unknown PlayStation characters are admired by many, but the game misses out on some important cameo appearances.

The success of Astro Bot seems to be setting up many classic PlayStation IPs for a series revival

It's no surprise that Sony is reportedly looking to the past when planning the company's future AstroBotSuccess and victory at the game of the year. AstroBot harkens back to the golden age of 3D platformers from the 5th and 6th console generations and reminds players that a good, standalone solo experience can offer a lot of bang for their buck. Similar, AstroBot is also a love letter to the history and legacy of the PlayStation brand and features many notable first- and third-party cameos from throughout the hardware's history.

But while AstroBotSony's success makes a strong case for considering reviving dormant intellectual property. However, this is by no means a guarantee that the company will do so. It could be misleading to mix it up AstroBotis universal acclaim and fond nostalgia for the PlayStation's past, with a real push from Sony to revive dormant franchises that appeared in its award-winning platformer. So a new one Monkey escape Game would be a welcome surprise from Sony Monkey escape-thematic level in AstroBot doesn't necessarily make that reality any more likely now than before AstroBot​​​​​​s publication.

Which franchises are likely and unlikely to see a PlayStation revival

Fans' love for older, dormant franchises in Sony's extensive IP catalog is understandable, as these are the games that helped form the foundation of the PlayStation brand and carry the hardware from generation to generation. But that same success has paved the way for the developers of these games to move on to bigger (and in most cases, better) things. While Sony could certainly try to revive dormant intellectual property, some franchises are off the table given what gamers know about their developers' current projects.

Naughty Dog probably won't deliver one Jak and Daxter Revival in the foreseeable future as the company is hard at work on the recently announced release Intergalactic: The Heretical Prophet. Likewise all hopes for one Killzone or Resistance The revival would depend on whether Guerrilla Games or Insomniac Games are available to lead the project, but the horizon And Wonder Games that each studio is working on take priority. In terms of which franchises are more likely to see a revival, the following might have better chances:

  • Monkey escape
  • Twisted metal
  • The Legend of the Dragoon
  • Fat princess
  • Everyone's golf

Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list of all of Sony's first-party franchises, but rather those IPs that haven't seen a major release in several console generations and whose studios aren't currently working hard on other titles.

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