Sony Solicited Pitches for Classic Franchise Revivals
Sony is seeking proposals from developers to reboot long-dormant intellectual properties for future consoles.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Gaming
Live Poll
Would you prefer gaming companies prioritize developing new titles over reviving classic franchises?
Sony is reportedly accepting pitches for the return of several classic PlayStation franchises, including Ape Escape, Killzone, and Sly Cooper. The company is looking to license these titles to external developers for future hardware releases.
Why it matters
This initiative signals a strategic effort by Sony to leverage its extensive back catalog of gaming history to build library strength for upcoming console generations. By opening the floor to new pitches, the firm aims to revitalize beloved intellectual properties that have seen little to no activity for over a decade.
The Ape Escape series has not seen a main-series entry since 2005, while the Killzone and Sly Cooper franchises have been inactive since 2013. The Jak and Daxter series also remains dormant following the 2012 release of its collection.
The players
Sony
Sony is a multinational conglomerate and the parent company behind the PlayStation gaming division.
Team Asobi
Team Asobi is a PlayStation Studios development house that absorbed Japan Studio in 2021.
The details
Sony is working to license and publish these potential revival games, inviting external studios to submit development proposals. This move follows organizational restructuring efforts, such as the 2021 merger of Japan Studio into Team Asobi, which shifted the company's internal development focus.
Timeline
The Ape Escape series has not seen a new main game since 2005.
The Jak and Daxter series has been inactive since the 2012 collection release.
Both Killzone and Sly Cooper last saw new titles launched in 2013.
Japan Studio was merged into Team Asobi in 2021.
The first wave of revivals is expected to launch alongside the PlayStation 6.
Culture Shift
This move represents a broader industry trend of mining legacy intellectual property to bridge generational gaps between console hardware. By prioritizing nostalgia-driven reboots, companies can ensure a reliable stream of high-profile content for the upcoming PlayStation 6 launch window.
For gamers, this indicates that long-dormant characters could soon return to modern consoles, potentially refreshing the library of upcoming hardware. Consumers may see increased availability of classic-style titles, which were largely absent during the preceding console cycle.
The takeaway
Legacy franchises represent a valuable asset for major studios looking to maximize the appeal of new gaming hardware. Fans of older titles should watch for future announcements as Sony shifts from internal development to licensing agreements for these classic IPs.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in the industry, explore our Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Game Rant.
Live Poll
Would you prefer gaming companies prioritize developing new titles over reviving classic franchises?
