Twisted Metal for PS5: A Third-Person Shooter Battle Royale
Sony’s Twisted Metal Reboot: The Road to Cancellation
Introduction
In the world of video games, many projects can be born and die quickly, often behind closed doors. One project that caught the attention of gamers was a reboot of the classic series, Twisted Metal. This reboot, which some hoped would breathe new life into the franchise, was ultimately cancelled. Let’s delve into the details of what this game could have been and why it was shelved.
What Was the Twisted Metal Reboot?
The Twisted Metal reboot was initially intended to be a live service game, characterized by a battle royale format and third-person shooter mechanics. This project was under development by Firesprite, a British studio that Sony acquired in 2021. The cancellation of this reboot took place amidst significant layoffs at Sony, which impacted multiple projects across its gaming division.
A Shift in Development
Originally, the Twisted Metal reboot was being developed by Lucid Games, but as the vision for the game evolved, the project transitioned to Firesprite. Reports from various sources, including VGC, indicated that the reboot was in active development and that Sony aimed to leverage the anticipated release of a Twisted Metal television series. This show, which debuted on streaming platforms in 2023, was part of the strategy to reignite interest in the long-standing car-combat video game series.
Details from Developers’ Insights
Recently, hints about the game’s features emerged from the online CV of a developer involved in the project. While the CV does not name Twisted Metal explicitly, it refers to a project known as “Project Copper.” This was described as “a third-person vehicular action combat game” based on a classic intellectual property owned by PlayStation. The game’s mechanics were designed around third-person shooting combined with vehicle combat, where players would aim to be the last one standing—a hallmark of many modern battle royale games.
The developer also shared blurred images showcasing aspects of the gameplay, revealing a mix of shooting and vehicular elements, reminiscent of what fans might expect from Twisted Metal.
Firesprite: The Studio Behind the Concept
Firesprite was formed by former members of SIE Studio Liverpool after its closure. After being acquired by Sony, the studio developed the PS VR2 title, “Horizon Call of the Mountain.” Their experience and reputation hinted at potential for a successful revival of the Twisted Metal franchise. However, the cancellation of the reboot indicates challenges within Sony regarding its strategic direction in gaming content.
Sony’s Live Service Strategy
Sony had bold goals to launch 12 live service games on the PlayStation 5 platform by the year 2026. However, as the company pushed for this goal, it encountered difficulties with the launch of several anticipated titles. Notably, the cancellation of other projects, including a multiplayer game related to The Last of Us, and the decision to withdraw Concord from sale after just two weeks, reflected the hurdles Sony faced in executing this ambitious plan.
Among their few successes, “Helldivers 2” stood out as PlayStation’s fastest-selling game launch, offering evidence that engagement with players was still achievable. However, the overall strategy of live service games has become a contentious topic within Sony, especially as expectations and realities do not always align.
Internal Discussions and Changes
After the cancellation of the Twisted Metal reboot, former PlayStation Studios head Shuhei Yoshida expressed his thoughts on the shift towards live service games. He mentioned that had he still been in charge, he would have opposed Sony’s push into this area. His departure and the broader commentary reflect internal disagreements about the future direction for Sony’s gaming strategy.
Conclusion
The cancelled Twisted Metal reboot serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of game development within the video game industry. While it was intended to be a fresh take on a beloved classic, various factors—including studio changes, strategic misalignments, and market realities—eventually led to its cancellation. Gamers are left wondering what could have been, and how the beloved Twisted Metal franchise will continue to evolve in the future. As the gaming landscape shifts, the hope for a new era of vehicular combat continues to linger in the hearts of fans.
