In an unexpected twist, industry insiders are buzzing with speculation about Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) secretly assembling a formidable team of gaming veterans, many of whom reportedly hail from the California-based Deviation Games. This clandestine project, believed to be under the leadership of former Deviation Games co-founder Jason Blundell, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community.
Deviation Games, founded in 2020 by industry stalwarts Blundell and Dave Anthony, initially gained attention for its collaboration with Sony’s PlayStation brand on a new intellectual property. However, since Blundell’s departure from Deviation Games in September last year, details about this mysterious partnership have been shrouded in secrecy.
Insiders now suggest that Blundell and his cadre of ex-Deviation Games talents are quietly toiling away on an undisclosed project within the hallowed halls of Sony’s new internal development studio. Video game industry leaker Zuby_Tech recently took to Twitter to share LinkedIn profiles of key players, including former design director Fred Thompson, animation director Adam Rosas, executive producer Pat Dwyer, and principal animator Kristen Sych. All four have seemingly joined PlayStation Studios, Sony’s video game development division, in recent months.
Thompson, in particular, hinted at his involvement in an unannounced project at PlayStation Studios, where he is spearheading the design efforts. The tantalizing question on everyone’s mind is whether this enigmatic project aligns with Sony’s ambitious plan to release 10 live-service games by 2026.
Adding further fuel to the speculation fire is JC Farmer, ex-Deviation Games community manager, now rebranded as a junior game designer at PlayStation Studios. In a recent tweet, Farmer not only confirmed his current association with Blundell but also hinted at the formation of a new internal studio under Blundell’s leadership. If these rumours hold true, Blundell’s team would join the ranks of Sony’s prestigious first-party game studios.
The nature of the project remains shrouded in mystery, but industry analysts are quick to draw connections between Blundell’s storied past, especially his influential role in the Call of Duty series, and the likelihood of the new venture being a first-person shooter (FPS). Sony’s current portfolio of exclusives notably lacks a robust lineup of FPS titles, making the prospect of Blundell helming a new shooter project an intriguing and logical move.
Sony’s strategic decision to venture into the shooter genre aligns with its broader efforts to diversify its gaming offerings. The acquisition of Bungie, the iconic studio behind franchises like Halo and Destiny, for a hefty $3.6 billion last year was a pivotal move to penetrate the lucrative live-service games market. This strategic investment aimed to fortify Sony’s presence across multiple platforms and enhance its competitive edge.
Moreover, Sony’s April acquisition of Firewalk Studios, a developer currently immersed in crafting a live-service game for both PC and PS5, further underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its gaming portfolio. These strategic moves, coupled with the purported formation of a new internal studio led by Blundell, suggest that Sony is gearing up for a substantial push into the dynamic and ever-evolving gaming landscape.
As the gaming industry eagerly awaits official confirmation from Sony regarding this intriguing project, fans and insiders alike are left to speculate about the potential impact of Blundell’s team on the gaming world. If history is any indicator, with Blundell’s impressive track record and the combined expertise of the ex-Deviation Games talents, Sony’s foray into the FPS genre could very well redefine the gaming experience for millions of players worldwide. Until then, the gaming community remains on the edge of their seats, anticipating the unveiling of Sony’s next gaming masterpiece.
