PlayStation's Newest Title Borrows from Beloved Brawl Franchise

PlayStation's new studio tackles a unique MOBA: Gummy Bears. Initial development at Bungie, now transitioned to a new Sony subsidiary, this project boasts a distinctive gameplay mechanic.

Rumors surrounding the PlayStation-first-party title, codenamed "Gummy Bears," have been circulating since August 2023. Initially under Bungie's development, the project shifted following Bungie's workforce restructuring in 2024, with a portion of its staff joining Sony Interactive Entertainment. This led to the creation of a new PlayStation studio, reportedly comprising around 40 employees, now helming Gummy Bears' development.

While a Multi-Online Battle Arena (MOBA) at its core, Gummy Bears deviates from the norm. Instead of traditional health bars, it employs a percentage-based damage system, drawing clear inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. franchise. High damage percentages result in characters being knocked off the map, mirroring Smash Bros.' mechanics.

The game is designed with a younger audience in mind, a stark contrast to Bungie's previous titles. It features three character classes (Attack, Defense, Support), multiple game modes, and a vibrant, "lo-fi" aesthetic. This stylistic choice aims to establish Gummy Bears as a unique entity, separate from Bungie's established portfolio.

Development, including its initial phase at Bungie, has reportedly spanned at least three years, starting in 2022. While a release date remains elusive, the game's current development stage and the establishment of a new PlayStation studio in Los Angeles strongly suggest a continued push towards its eventual launch.