What's Happening?
Sucker Punch Productions, known for its popular game Ghost of Tsushima, has expressed disinterest in reviving the Sly Cooper series, a stealth action game featuring an anthropomorphic raccoon. The series, which had its peak during the PlayStation 2 era, last saw a release in 2013, not developed by Sucker Punch. Nate Fox, co-director of Ghost of Yotei, stated in an interview that only about ten percent of the current staff at Sucker Punch would be interested in developing a new Sly Cooper game. Despite fan interest, the decision to revive the series lies with Sony, the owner of the Sly Cooper franchise. Sony has shown little inclination towards reviving the series, focusing instead on live-service strategies for its PS5 era.
Why It's Important?
The lack of interest from Sucker Punch in reviving Sly Cooper highlights the shifting priorities within the gaming industry, particularly Sony's focus on live-service games. This decision impacts fans of the series who have hoped for a revival. It also reflects broader industry trends where companies prioritize new and potentially more profitable ventures over nostalgic revivals. The focus on live-service games suggests a shift towards ongoing revenue models rather than one-time purchases, affecting how games are developed and marketed.
What's Next?
While Sucker Punch is unlikely to pursue a new Sly Cooper game, the possibility remains that Sony could license the franchise to another developer. However, given Sony's current strategic focus, this seems improbable. Fans of the series may continue to advocate for its revival, but without significant interest from Sony, the future of Sly Cooper remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Sucker Punch continues to develop its Ghost of Yotei sequel, expected to release on PS5, with a potential PC launch in 2026.
