As the next-generation consoles near this fall, one of the biggest questions that has been on the hearts and minds of prospective console-owners has been the type of first-party experiences that we’ll expect to see on both platforms. Last week we looked atMicrosoft’s first-party plansforXbox, with the company aggressively pursuing new studios in the past few years, including its surprise acquisition of Bethesda Softworks and ZeniMax Media. With that in mind, we’re taking a look at Sony’s line of first-party studios and titles, which (as of this year) are now housed under “PlayStation Studios.”
With thePS5on the horizon for release in November, most of Sony’s studios are likely gearing up (or already at work) on their next-gen debut projects. While several of Sony’s studios have recently released projects within the past year or so, here is an overall look at Sony’s first-party studios to date and what they have coming in the future.
Japan Studio (founded in 1993)
As one of the oldest of Sony’s first-party studios, Japan Studio has been involved in the development of hundreds of titles across the entire line of PlayStation consoles. Even during the PS4 era alone, Japan Studio has worked on several of this generation’s iconic first-party titles likeBloodborneandThe Last Guardian, while assisting with a bevy of other titles like theGravity Rushseries, theShadow of the Colossusremake, and the PS VR breakout hitAstro Bot Rescue Mission.
On the immediate horizon, Japan Studio is at work on two PS5 projects for the system’s launch:Astro’s Playroom(which will be pre-installed on every PS5) and theDemon’s Soulsremakebeing helmed by Bluepoint Games. Notably,Demon’s Soulswill be one of the first wholly-exclusive titles to the PS5, and was confirmed earlier this month to bearriving alongside the PS5 in Novemberas a launch title.
Polyphony Digital (founded in 1998)
For over two decades, Polyphony Digital has mainly been at the helm of Sony’s racing titles, most notably theGran Turismoseries. Much like Turn 10 with theForza Motorsportseries,Gran Turismois at the forefront of the racing sim genre, with Polyphony continuing to hold the crown for developing pseudo-realistic racing titles at the top of their class.
The most recent release from Polyphony wasGran Turismo Sportin 2017 for the PS4, and given the studio’s track record, it’s not a surprise that they are at work on the next installment in the iconic racing series. Earlier this year, Sony confirmed thatGran Turismo 7is in development for the PS5, with Polyphony racing into next-gen with their upcoming project.
San Mateo Studio (founded in 1998)
Since it was founded in 1998, Sony’s San Mateo Studio has had its hands in a number of different projects across PlayStation properties going as far back as the original PlayStation. San Mateo Studio has primarily worked in collaboration with various other first-party studios at Sony, ranging fromSyphon Filter,Jak & Daxter,Sly Cooper,Ratchet & Clank, and many more.
Most recently, San Mateo Studio assisted with the development ofMarvel’s Spider-Manwith Insomniac Games and also co-developed the PlayStation VR titleFarpoint. At the moment, we don’t know yet what San Mateo Studio’s next project is, but presumably they’ll provide some assistance on upcoming PS5 titles in collaboration with other Sony first-party teams.
Santa Monica Studio (founded in 1999)
As the home of theGod of Warfranchise, Santa Monica Studio has delivered and iterated upon one of PlayStation’s most well-known franchises for over 15 years. Having created the original trilogy ofGod of Wartitles across the PS2/PS3 and its prequel,Ascension, Santa Monica Studio took the franchise in an entirely different direction with 2018’s reboot, which quickly became one of the PS4’s most acclaimed and successful titles to date.
Following the release of 2018’sGod of War, it was confirmed atSony’s PS5 showcase earlier this monththat Santa Monica Studio isat work on a sequel to Kratos and Atreus' journey, seemingly focused around the prophesied Ragnarok. The title was also confirmed to be coming next year, so we won’t have to wait too much longer. Remember: Ragnarok is coming.
Bend Studio (acquired in 2000)
Named after its home in Oregon, Bend Studio has had a long and prolific history as the developers of theSyphon Filterfranchise across numerous PlayStation consoles over the years. Alongside spin-off projects of other PlayStation franchises likeResistanceandUncharted, Bend Studio made their debut on PS4 with the long-in-developmentDays Gone, its open-world action-adventure game focused on bikers in the zombie apocalypse.
Following the release ofDays Gonelast year on PS4, it’s unknown just yet what Bend Studio has in store for their next project. Recent rumors over the past year suggest that the studio isin pre-production on its next title, and Bend has expressed interest inexploring more of theDays Goneuniverse, leaving room for a sequel.
Naughty Dog (acquired in 2001)
Few studios have the kind of history and recognition that Naughty Dog has had with PlayStation over the years, and since the studio was acquired by Sony, they have been the driving force behind some of the most iconic PlayStation franchises ever. From its early years on the original PlayStation withCrash Bandicoot, to action-packed, story-driven titles likeUnchartedandThe Last of Us, Naughty Dog has continued to deliver the type of first-party experiences that PlayStation has made its signature.
Most recently, Naughty Dog completed and releasedThe Last of Us Part II, its long anticipated sequel that met critical acclaim and major commercial success but a divisive audience reaction. At the moment it’s unknown what Naughty Dog will be working on next, other than (most likely) its next title geared for the PS5. Other than that, the studio is seeminglyworking on the multiplayer componentforThe Last of Us Part II, with Neil Druckmannhinting to wait a little bit longer for it.
San Diego Studio (founded in 2001)
As one of several of PlayStation’s California-based studios, San Diego Studio in recent years has found its place as the home for Sony’sMLB The Showseries, while also co-developing and working on a number of other projects in collaboration with other studios.
Most recently, San Diego Studio releasedMLB The Show 20on PS4 this past spring, a welcome return to sports in the COVID-19 era. For the future, we can expect that the studio is working on next year’s installmentMLB The Show 21, which surprisingly will also bethe series' first multi-platform entry aside from PlayStation.
