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

A PlayStation studio, newly formed from former Bungie employees, is reportedly developing a MOBA titled "Gummy Bears." Initially conceived at Bungie, this project, codenamed "Gummy Bears," has undergone a significant shift. The game, rumored to be in development since at least 2020, is expected to deviate significantly from Bungie's previous titles.

Key features of Gummy Bears include a unique percentage-based damage system, drawing inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. franchise, replacing traditional health bars. Characters are knocked back further based on damage percentage, and high enough damage can result in being knocked off the map. The game will feature the standard MOBA character classes: Attack, Defense, and Support, along with multiple game modes. The overall aesthetic is described as cozy, vibrant, and "lo-fi," a stark contrast to Bungie's previous, grittier styles. This stylistic choice aims to attract a younger audience than Bungie's typical player base.

The transition of Gummy Bears to a new PlayStation studio follows Bungie's 2023 layoffs and subsequent integration of employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment. While the game's release date remains uncertain, its development continues within this newly established Los Angeles-based studio. The project's extended development time, spanning at least three years, suggests a potentially lengthy wait before its market launch.