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, marking its 20th first-party development team. This revelation comes from a recent job posting for a Project Senior Producer, confirming the existence of a "newly-established AAA studio" in the city. The studio is currently shrouded in secrecy, but is reportedly developing a groundbreaking original IP for the PlayStation 5.
The news has ignited excitement among PlayStation fans, who eagerly anticipate new projects from the company's already impressive roster of studios, including Santa Monica Studio, Naughty Dog, and Insomniac Games. Sony's recent acquisitions of Housemarque, Bluepoint Games, and Firesprite further demonstrate its commitment to expanding its first-party development capabilities.
Speculation regarding the new studio's identity is rife. One prominent theory centers on a Bungie spin-off team. Following layoffs at Bungie in July 2024, 155 employees transitioned to Sony Interactive Entertainment, fueling speculation that a portion of this group forms the core of the new Los Angeles studio, potentially working on Bungie's "Gummybears" incubation project.
Another compelling possibility involves the team led by Jason Blundell, a veteran Call of Duty developer and co-founder of the now-defunct Deviation Games. Deviation Games was developing a AAA PS5 title before its closure in March 2024. However, many former Deviation Games employees subsequently joined PlayStation, leading to speculation that Blundell's team is the driving force behind Sony's new studio. Given the longer gestation period of Blundell's team, this theory holds significant weight. The project they're working on remains unknown, but it's possible it's a continuation or reimagining of Deviation Games' previous endeavor.
While Sony remains tight-lipped about the new studio and its project, the confirmation of another first-party AAA title in development is undoubtedly welcome news for PlayStation fans. The wait for an official announcement may be lengthy, but the anticipation is palpable.
