We’ve heard an intriguing whisper from inside the industry: Sony is allegedly “accepting multiple game pitches” built around long-dormant, fan-favourite franchises, and the first wave of those projects could surface around the PS6 launch window, if true. Take this with a pinch of salt — but if the claim holds up, it would mark a notable shift in how PlayStation approaches its legacy IP.
What Was Reported
According to Push Square, a recognised leaker — who previously outed the Metroidvania spin-off God of War: Sons of Sparta — claims Sony is open to pitches for games inspired by classic PlayStation series. The rumour specifically links potential revivals or new entries in franchises such as Killzone, Ape Escape and Sly Cooper.
The rumour thread includes a few notable specifics: one recent tip suggests Killzone is in production at People Can Fly under the supervision of series creator Guerrilla, and the leaker says they contributed to an original report on that via MP1st. Separately, the leak claims a new Ape Escape is reportedly in production at an unknown studio, and that Sly Cooper is another franchise being eyed for revival.
Crucially, the leaker alleges these projects “are not being outsourced or published by an external party like Bandai Namco”; instead, Sony is said to be funding and publishing the initiatives, with some original creators involved to “ensure they meet the right standard.” The tipster also said they are “under the impression we will see the first wave of this initiative around [the] PS6 launch window”, and that it’s likely any titles will ship on the PS5 as well.
The Source & Credibility
The claim comes via a leaker who has a previously mentioned hit — specifically the outing of God of War: Sons of Sparta — which lends some historical credibility. Push Square reports that this same leaker contributed to other coverage, including on Killzone, and namedrops MP1st as part of that chain of reporting.
Why You Should Be Skeptical
That said, these remain unconfirmed rumours. The leaker’s impressions about timing (“around [the] PS6 launch window”) and the involvement of specific studios are not backed by official statements from Sony, People Can Fly, Guerrilla, or any of the named IP holders in the material Push Square published. As ever with leaks that touch on multiple legacy properties, treat the information as tentative and subject to change.
What It Could Mean
If the core claims are accurate, this would suggest Sony is actively exploring a model where external studios pitch ideas for legacy series but the platform holder retains publishing and funding control. That approach could fast-track fresh takes on dormant IP while keeping oversight — and potentially original creators — involved to preserve franchise identity.
For one example, the rumour about Killzone being worked on at People Can Fly under Guerrilla supervision aligns with other chatter we’ve seen; readers wanting more context on that particular thread may want to revisit our earlier coverage on Killzone. And the notion that these projects tie into the next-gen launch cycle dovetails with ongoing industry talk about hardware plans — see our linked piece on PS6 And Xbox Helix Chips if you want a sense of that broader conversation.
It’s also notable that the leaker emphasises Sony’s role as publisher and funder rather than handing IPs to third-party publishers like Bandai Namco. If true, that could shape which studios get access and how closely Sony polices quality and brand direction.
Why This Matters
Fans have long talked about the potential for revivals of franchises such as Ape Escape, Sly Cooper and Killzone. If Sony is genuinely soliciting pitches for these types of projects and funding them internally, it could mean a wave of nostalgia-driven releases that still carry the PlayStation stamp of approval.
However, let’s be clear: this is a rumour. The details come from a leaker with at least one prior scoop, but no official confirmation has been published by Sony or the developers named in the tip. If you’re excited, keep watch — and keep expectations measured. If true, this could be a smart way for Sony to breathe new life into dormant properties while protecting their IP, but much remains unverified and should be considered speculative for now.
