PlayStation’s New Los Angeles Studio Hints at Co-op Multiplayer Game Built on Unreal Engine 5

Recent job listings from PlayStation’s newly established Los Angeles studio have sparked speculation that the team is working on a cooperative multiplayer game. While Sony has yet to officially name or acknowledge this mysterious studio, details about its debut project are beginning to emerge, offering a glimpse into what could be a major addition to PlayStation’s first-party lineup.

A Growing Network of PlayStation Studios

PlayStation currently boasts 15 core game development studios and five support/external development teams. Many of these studios, such as Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games, Guerrilla Games, and Sucker Punch, were acquired over PlayStation’s 30-year history. Others, like Santa Monica Studio, Polyphony Digital, and San Diego Studio, were founded internally by Sony. In recent years, Sony has been expanding its internal development capabilities, and the Los Angeles studio appears to be one of the latest additions to this growing network.

Clues from Job Listings

The unnamed PlayStation Los Angeles studio was established earlier this year, and job postings have described its project as a “groundbreaking” new AAA IP. Recent sleuthing by Tech4Gamers uncovered additional job listings that provide further insight into the studio’s enigmatic project.

One of the listings is for a Game Systems Designer, with qualifications that explicitly mention “experience with and knowledge of co-operative multiplayer design principles and ideals.” While some might interpret this as evidence of a live-service game, the fact that the project is currently confirmed only for PS5 suggests otherwise. PlayStation’s live-service titles, such as Helldivers 2 and Marathon, typically target both PS5 and PC at launch, making it unlikely that this project falls into that category.

Another listing, for a Senior Gameplay Designer, sheds light on key systems the candidate would work on, including “weapons, abilities, player movement, networking, and AI.” The mention of “networking” further supports the idea of a multiplayer-focused game. Notably, this listing also highlights Unreal Engine 4/5 experience as a necessary qualification, strongly suggesting that the studio is leveraging Unreal Engine 5 for its co-op multiplayer project.

A Potential Leader for the Project

Rumors have circulated that the studio could be led by Jason Blundell, the former co-founder of Deviation Games. Deviation Games was a fledgling studio that partnered with Sony in 2021 to develop a new AAA IP for the PS5. However, the partnership reportedly dissolved in early 2023 when Sony pulled funding from the studio. Deviation Games struggled for a year before closing its doors in March 2024. Around the same time, reports surfaced that Sony was assembling a new team with former Deviation staff, potentially under Blundell’s leadership.

While it remains unconfirmed, the PlayStation Los Angeles studio could very well be home to Blundell’s team. If true, this would mark a significant reunion, as Blundell is best known for his work on Call of Duty’s Zombies mode, which is celebrated for its intricate co-op gameplay and storytelling. His involvement could signal a high-quality, narrative-driven co-op experience for PlayStation’s new project.

What This Means for PlayStation

The establishment of the Los Angeles studio and its focus on a co-op multiplayer game reflects Sony’s broader strategy to diversify its first-party offerings. While PlayStation is renowned for its single-player narrative masterpieces like The Last of Us and God of War, the company has been increasingly investing in multiplayer and live-service games. Titles like Helldivers 2 and the upcoming Concord demonstrate Sony’s commitment to expanding its multiplayer portfolio.

If the Los Angeles studio’s project is indeed a co-op multiplayer game built on Unreal Engine 5, it could represent a significant step forward for PlayStation. Unreal Engine 5’s cutting-edge capabilities, such as Nanite and Lumen, could enable the studio to deliver a visually stunning and technically advanced experience. Moreover, a focus on cooperative gameplay could tap into the growing demand for shared gaming experiences, offering players a fresh and immersive way to connect with friends.

Conclusion

While details remain scarce, the job listings from PlayStation’s Los Angeles studio paint an exciting picture of what’s to come. A co-op multiplayer game built on Unreal Engine 5, potentially led by industry veteran Jason Blundell, could become a standout title in PlayStation’s lineup. As Sony continues to expand its internal development capabilities, the gaming community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this mysterious studio and its groundbreaking project. Only time will reveal the full scope of what PlayStation LA is crafting, but the early signs suggest it could be something truly special.