Tag Archives: Playstation Studios

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God Of War reaches its 2 decades and still going strong

March 22, 2025, marks a monumental milestone in gaming history—the 20th anniversary of the iconic God of War franchise. From its humble beginnings on the PlayStation 2 to its evolution into a critically acclaimed saga, God of War has not only redefined action-adventure games but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers worldwide. Let’s take a journey through the legacy of Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, and explore how this franchise has grown over the past two decades.

The Birth of a Legend (2005)

The original God of War debuted in 2005, introducing players to Kratos, a Spartan warrior consumed by vengeance against the gods of Olympus. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, the game was a groundbreaking blend of brutal combat, intricate puzzles, and epic storytelling. Its cinematic presentation and visceral gameplay set a new standard for the genre, earning it numerous Game of the Year awards.

The Greek Saga: A Tale of Revenge

The early years of the franchise were defined by Kratos’ relentless quest for revenge against the Greek pantheon. Titles like God of War II (2007) and God of War III (2010) expanded the narrative, showcasing larger-than-life battles against iconic figures like Zeus and Poseidon. These games were celebrated for their jaw-dropping set pieces, such as the battle against the Colossus of Rhodes and the ascent of Mount Olympus.

A Bold Reimagining: The Norse Saga

In 2018, Santa Monica Studio took a bold step by rebooting the series with God of War (2018). Set in the realm of Norse mythology, the game introduced a more mature and introspective Kratos, now a father to Atreus. This reinvention was a masterclass in storytelling, exploring themes of redemption, parenthood, and the cyclical nature of violence. The sequel, God of War Ragnarök (2022), continued this narrative, cementing the series’ place as a modern masterpiece.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

To commemorate this milestone, Sony and Santa Monica Studio have rolled out a series of celebratory initiatives:

  • Dark Odyssey Collection: A free update for God of War Ragnarök featuring black-and-gold-themed armor and weapon appearances inspired by the original God of War II.
  • Art Exhibition: A showcase of concept art and iconic moments from the franchise, held in Los Angeles.
  • Merchandise: Limited-edition items, including a retrospective book, art prints, and a vinyl soundtrack collection.
  • Digital Goodies: Free anniversary-themed avatars, wallpapers, and social media assets for fans.

The Legacy of Kratos

Over the past 20 years, God of War has evolved from a tale of vengeance to a deeply human story about growth and change. Kratos’ journey—from a rage-fueled antihero to a complex, empathetic character—mirrors the franchise’s own transformation. It’s a testament to the creative vision of Santa Monica Studio and the enduring support of its passionate fanbase.

As we celebrate this milestone, one thing is clear: God of War is more than just a game. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has inspired countless players and creators alike. Here’s to 20 years of myth, legend, and unforgettable adventures—and to many more to come.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Twisted Metal was planned for a reboot, but never came to fruition

In the world of gaming, few franchises have managed to carve out a niche as unique and enduring as Twisted Metal. Known for its chaotic vehicular combat and memorable characters, the series has been a staple of PlayStation’s lineup since its debut in 1995.

However, fans of the franchise were recently hit with a wave of nostalgia and disappointment as details emerged about a cancelled Twisted Metal game that was in development for the PlayStation 5.

The cancelled Twisted Metal game, internally known as “Project Copper,” was being developed by Firesprite, the studio behind Horizon: Call of the Mountain. While PlayStation never officially confirmed the existence of this project, reports of Firesprite’s involvement began circulating online in 2022.

The game was reportedly cancelled last year, but new details have surfaced thanks to Hugo Silva, a lead UI programmer who was working on the project.

According to Silva, Project Copper was envisioned as a “3rd person vehicular action combat game” based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation. The game was set to introduce a significant shift in gameplay mechanics, incorporating third-person shooter elements alongside the traditional vehicular combat. The objective was to be the last one standing, effectively turning Twisted Metal into a battle royale game.

The Battle Royale Concept

The battle royale genre has seen immense popularity in recent years, with games like Fortnite and Apex Legends dominating the market. Firesprite and PlayStation aimed to capitalize on this trend by reimagining Twisted Metal as a battle royale game. Early images from Silva’s website, though labeled “under NDA,” highlight the battle royale concept, featuring generic characters engaged in third-person shooter combat. These placeholder designs would have likely been replaced by classic characters from the series or custom-designed protagonists.

The last new Twisted Metal game was released on the PlayStation 3 back in 2012, making it over a decade since fans have had a new entry in the series. The cancellation of Project Copper is undoubtedly frustrating for fans, especially considering the success of the Twisted Metal streaming series on Peacock. The absence of a new game to accompany the show’s popularity seems like a missed opportunity for PlayStation.

However, it’s possible that the decision to cancel the game was for the best. From the details revealed so far, Project Copper might not have delivered what fans have come to expect from the series. If the game had been released and failed, it could have potentially doomed the franchise for another decade or more.

The Future of Twisted Metal

Despite the cancellation of Project Copper, there is still hope for the future of Twisted Metal. PlayStation co-CEO Herman Hurst hinted back in December that the company is looking for ways to leverage its past IPs, offering a glimmer of hope that dormant franchises like Twisted Metal could make a return. Fans will have to wait and see if a new game finally materializes, but for now, the cancellation of Project Copper remains a tantalizing “what if” in the history of Twisted Metal.

In conclusion, the revelation of the cancelled Twisted Metal game has left fans with mixed emotions. While the concept of a battle royale Twisted Metal game is intriguing, it’s uncertain whether it would have lived up to the legacy of the franchise. As we look to the future, we can only hope that PlayStation finds a way to bring Twisted Metal back to its former glory.

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The details behind Sony Japan Studios closure

In a recent interview on the Sacred Symbols PlayStation Podcast, former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida shed light on the closure of Sony Japan Studios, a decision that left many fans and industry insiders puzzled. Yoshida attributed the closure to the disappearance of the “double-A” game market, which he believes played a significant role in the studio’s downfall.

During his tenure at PlayStation, Yoshida acknowledged that Japan Studio produced many great games, but they rarely achieved the same level of commercial success as their AAA counterparts.

Other than Gran Turismo, we didn’t really have many triple-A-level successful products.

As the gaming industry shifted its focus towards larger, blockbuster titles, the double-A market struggled to compete.

Yoshida cited Gravity Rush 2 as an example, noting that director Keiichiro Toyama pitched several ideas for a follow-up, but none of them could be greenlit due to market conditions.

The market became really difficult for these kinds of games.

This shift in the market dynamics ultimately led to the closure of Japan Studio in April 2021.

Despite the closure, the legacy of Japan Studio lives on through Team Asobi, a spin-off studio that developed the acclaimed Astro Bot series. The studio’s recent release, Astro Bot, even won The Game Awards’ 2024 Game of the Year, showcasing the continued creativity and talent of the former Japan Studio team.

Yoshida’s comments have sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by mid-sized game studios in today’s market. While the closure of Japan Studio was a significant loss, it also highlights the evolving nature of the gaming industry and the need for studios to adapt to changing market conditions.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Resistance 4 was actually pitched but it never came reality

In a recent interview with Kinda Funny Games, Ted Price, the co-founder and soon-to-be-retired president of Insomniac Games, revealed that the studio had indeed pitched a sequel to the “Resistance” series, with Resistance 4, to Sony. However, the pitch was ultimately turned down.

Price shared that the concept for “Resistance 4” was a wonderful one, and the team at Insomniac Games was passionate about extending the story further. They had put extensive work into the game’s potential backstory and the overall direction of the franchise. The alternate history base of the “Resistance” series, with its intriguing Chimera and their origins, provided a rich foundation for future storytelling.

Despite the enthusiasm from the Insomniac team, Sony decided not to greenlight the project due to timing and market opportunity concerns. Price mentioned that the timing wasn’t right and that the market conditions didn’t favor the release of another “Resistance” game at that point. Additionally, there were concerns about the game’s concept being too similar to “The Last of Us,” and Sony didn’t want the two games overlapping.

Price also clarified that “Resistance 3” was intended to end that chapter of the franchise. The game’s ending, with the character Joseph Capelli and the closure of various storylines, was designed to provide more options for the future, whether it be more “Resistance” games or a different direction for the series.

While the news of the rejection was disappointing for fans of the series, Price remains hopeful that the “Resistance” franchise might make a return in the future. He expressed his love for the franchise and his desire to see the story taken further.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting a return or remaster of the “Resistance” trilogy, which has been stuck on the PlayStation 3 since its release. Although some of the games are available through PlayStation Plus streaming, there is still no native way to experience the trilogy on modern hardware.

Price’s comments have provided some insight into the decision-making process behind the rejection of “Resistance 4” and have given fans a glimmer of hope for the future of the series.

Business, Gaming, News, Playstation

Insomniac Games CEO Announces Retirement After Three Decades

Ted Price, the founder and president of Insomniac Games, announced his retirement after over 30 years with the studio. Price, who has been instrumental in creating beloved franchises like “Spyro the Dragon,” “Ratchet & Clank,” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” shared his decision to step down at the end of March 2025.

In his blog post, Price expressed his gratitude for the fulfilling career he has had and his confidence in the new leadership team. He introduced Chad Dezern, Ryan Schneider, and Jen Huang as the new co-heads of Insomniac Games, who will continue to lead the studio into the future.

Price also acknowledged the challenges faced by the team due to recent events, such as the LA wildfires, and praised the Insomniac employees for their resilience and dedication. He emphasized his commitment to supporting those affected and ensuring a smooth transition for the studio.

Therefore, last week, I felt comfortable announcing to the Insomniac team that after having been incredibly fortunate to enjoy such a fulfilling career in games, I’ll be retiring from the industry at the end of March. Today, I’m sharing this news more broadly.

I actually made this decision last year. For me, after over 30 years of leading Insomniac, I felt it was simply time to step aside and let others pave the way for our team. 

During the past year, I had the opportunity to work with the senior leadership team at Insomniac to create a succession plan that I know will provide the continuity, stability and strong leadership necessary to deliver more of what our fans cherish over the next several decades.

Ted Price founded Insomniac Games in 1994 as Xtreme Software, which was later renamed Insomniac Games in 1995. The studio’s first project was “Disruptor” for the original PlayStation, which didn’t perform well commercially.

In 2019, Insomniac Games was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment and became part of PlayStation Studios. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the studio, solidifying its position within the PlayStation ecosystem.

Ted Price has been the president and CEO of Insomniac Games for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the studio has grown and produced numerous successful games.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Astro Bot wins big at the 14th New York Game Awards

The 14th Annual New York Game Awards, hosted by the New York Videogame Critics Circle, celebrated the best games of 2024 with a spectacular ceremony held in Manhattan. Among the night’s biggest winners was Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, which took home the coveted Game of the Year award, along with two additional accolades for Best Kids Game and Best Music.

Released in September 2024, Astro Bot has been a critical and commercial success. The game, which allows players to control Astro as they attempt to save lost Bots and restore the PS5 mothership, has been praised for its charm, environmental design, and innovative use of the DualSense controller. With a player rating of 100 on OpenCritic, Astro Bot has become the most awarded platformer in history, boasting 110 Game of the Year trophies to date.

During the ceremony, Astro Bot’s director, Nicolas Doucet, expressed his overwhelming shock and gratitude for the win. Doucet admitted that he didn’t expect to win the coveted award and remembered very little of his acceptance speech due to his excitement.

The game’s winning streak doesn’t seem to be over just yet, as more accolades keep pouring in.

While Astro Bot led the night with three wins, other games also received recognition. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree won Best World and Best DLC, and Studio Zero’s Metaphor: ReFantazio took home the award for Best Writing in a Game. Indie hit UFO 50 was named Best Indie Game, and Troy Baker received the award for Best Acting in a Game for his portrayal of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

With its incredible success, fans are eagerly awaiting what Team Asobi has in store for Astro Bot. Recent rumors suggest that more DLC may be coming in 2025, including a possible Tekken crossover. Additionally, a new speedrunning level for Astro Bot was featured in the finals of a recent PlayStation Tournaments XP event, though it’s unclear when this will be added to the game.

The 14th Annual New York Game Awards Winners

Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year
Astro Bot

Off-Broadway Award for Best Indie Game
UFO 50

Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game
Metaphor: ReFantazio

Statue of Liberty Award for Best World
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game
Astro Bot

Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game
Troy Baker as Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game
Batman: Arkham Shadow

Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game
Astro Bot

A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game
Zenless Zone Zero

Freedom Tower Award for Best Remake
Silent Hill 2

Chumley’s Speakeasy Award for Best Hidden Gem
Mouthwashing

NYC GWB Award for Best DLC
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Knickerbocker Award for Best Games Journalism
Simone De Rochefort & Clayton Ashley

Andrew Yoon Legend Award Recipient
Sam Lake

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Naughty Dog What’s next – Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

Naughty Dog, the acclaimed studio behind The Last of Us and Uncharted series, has officially announced their latest project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This new sci-fi adventure game was revealed during The Game Awards 2024, and it promises to be Naughty Dog’s most ambitious and creative story yet.

During The Game Awards 2024, Naughty Dog unveiled a captivating teaser trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The trailer introduced the game’s protagonist, Jordan A. Mun, a dangerous bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet of Sempiria.

The planet, which has been cut off from the outside universe for hundreds of years, presents a host of challenges and mysteries for players to unravel.

Jordan A. Mun, portrayed by actress Tati Gabrielle, is a skilled bounty hunter on a mission that seems deeply personal. Stranded on Sempiria, she must use all her skills and wits to survive and become the first person in over 600 years to leave the planet’s orbit. The character-driven narrative promises to deliver an emotional and epic journey, staying true to Naughty Dog’s storytelling prowess.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is being developed exclusively for the PlayStation 5. The game has been in development since 2020, following the release of The Last of Us Part II.

Naughty Dog has assembled a stellar cast and crew for this project, including the talented Tati Gabrielle and renowned composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who are scoring the game’s soundtrack.

A Legacy of Innovation

Naughty Dog has a rich history of creating groundbreaking games that push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. With Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the studio aims to blend its signature narrative depth with innovative gameplay mechanics.

The game draws inspiration from seminal sci-fi works such as Akira and Cowboy Bebop, promising a unique and immersive experience for players.

While specific details about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet are still under wraps, fans can look forward to more information being revealed in the coming months.

The development team is committed to delivering a game that captures the magic of Naughty Dog’s previous titles while offering new experiences and challenges for players to enjoy.

The announcement of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has reignited excitement among Naughty Dog fans.

With a talented team of developers and a captivating new storyline, the future of Naughty Dog looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the studio’s games, this upcoming sci-fi adventure promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Business, Gaming, News, Playstation

Former God of War Art Director Joins Naughty Dog

In a significant move that has the gaming industry buzzing, Raf Grassetti, the former art director of the acclaimed God of War series, has joined the renowned studio Naughty Dog. This exciting development brings one of the most talented and respected artists in the gaming world to a studio known for its groundbreaking titles like The Last of Us and Uncharted.

Raf Grassetti played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of the modern God of War games. His work was instrumental in revitalizing the series with its stunning art and character designs, contributing to the critical and commercial success of the franchise. Grassetti’s departure from Santa Monica Studio marks the end of an era, but his legacy there will undoubtedly endure.

Grassetti’s move to Naughty Dog is a strategic win for the studio, known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual excellence in video games. His expertise and innovative vision are expected to enhance Naughty Dog’s upcoming projects, potentially bringing a fresh artistic direction and even more immersive worlds for players to explore.

While specific details about Grassetti’s role at Naughty Dog and the projects he will be working on have not been disclosed, the gaming community is eagerly anticipating the impact of his artistic prowess. Given Naughty Dog’s track record of high-quality, narrative-driven games, fans can look forward to exciting developments that may blend Grassetti’s distinctive style with Naughty Dog’s renowned storytelling techniques.

The announcement has garnered positive reactions from both fans and industry peers, who recognize the potential for incredible collaboration between Grassetti and the creative teams at Naughty Dog. This move also highlights the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, where top talent continues to seek new challenges and opportunities to innovate.

Raf Grassetti joining Naughty Dog represents a thrilling new chapter for both the artist and the studio. As the gaming world watches closely, the collaboration promises to deliver memorable and visually stunning experiences that will further elevate the standards of the industry.