PlayStation Unveils Mystery Los Angeles Studio, Fueling AAA Game Speculation
Sony Interactive Entertainment has quietly established a new AAA game studio in Los Angeles, California, as revealed through a recent job posting. This marks the company's 20th first-party studio and adds to its already impressive lineup of acclaimed developers. The studio is currently shrouded in secrecy, but is confirmed to be working on a groundbreaking, original AAA title for the PlayStation 5.
The news has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community, particularly given PlayStation's history of producing critically acclaimed titles. Fans eagerly anticipate updates from established studios like Santa Monica Studio, Naughty Dog, and Insomniac Games, and the addition of this new, unannounced team only amplifies the anticipation. Sony's recent acquisitions of studios like Housemarque, Bluepoint Games, and Firesprite have already significantly expanded its first-party development capabilities, and this latest addition promises even more exciting projects on the horizon.
The identity of the new studio remains a mystery, leading to considerable speculation. One prominent theory centers around 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 formed the core of the new Los Angeles studio. The team is reportedly working on a project stemming from Bungie's "Gummybears" incubation initiative.
A Resurrection from a Past Partnership?
Another compelling theory points to a team led by industry veteran Jason Blundell, known for his work on Call of Duty: Black Ops. Blundell co-founded Deviation Games, a studio aiming to create a AAA PS5 title, before its closure in March 2024. However, following Blundell's departure from Deviation Games in 2022, many former Deviation employees joined PlayStation, suggesting the possibility of Blundell leading this new venture. Given the longer gestation period of this team compared to the potential Bungie spin-off, this theory holds significant weight.
The nature of Blundell's team's project remains unknown, but speculation abounds that it might involve a continuation or a reboot of Deviation Games' previously unannounced AAA title. While any official announcements from Sony are likely still some time away, the confirmation of this new studio is a welcome piece of news for PlayStation fans, promising yet another exciting first-party title in development.
