New First-Party PlayStation Game Will Reportedly Be Inspired by Smash Bros

PlayStation's new studio tackles a unique MOBA: Gummy Bears. Initial development at Bungie, now transitioned to a new Sony subsidiary, this project reportedly draws inspiration from Super Smash Bros.

Rumors surrounding the PlayStation-exclusive title, codenamed "Gummy Bears," have been circulating since August 2023. Initially under Bungie's development, the project shifted following Bungie's workforce reduction and subsequent integration of employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment. A newly formed PlayStation studio, comprised of approximately 40 former Bungie employees, has assumed responsibility for Gummy Bears' development.

A key differentiating factor: Gummy Bears eschews traditional health bars. Instead, it utilizes a percentage-based damage system, mirroring Super Smash Bros.' mechanic where higher damage percentages lead to increased knockback, potentially resulting in characters being launched off the map.

The game, described as "cozy, vibrant, and lo-fi," aims for a younger audience than Bungie's previous titles. It will feature standard MOBA character classes (Attack, Defense, Support) and multiple game modes. Development, including its time at Bungie, spans at least three years, though a release date remains uncertain. The game's shift to a new studio aligns with the recent establishment of a new PlayStation studio in Los Angeles.