What's Happening?
Sucker Punch Productions, known for its Ghost of Tsushima series, has indicated that it is unlikely to revive the Sly Cooper franchise. Nate Fox, co-director of Ghost of Yōtei, stated in an interview that only a small percentage of the studio's developers are interested in creating a new Sly Cooper game. The series, which was popular during the PS2 era, has not seen a new installment since 2013. Sly Cooper is owned by Sony, and any decision to revive the series would require the publisher's approval. Currently, Sucker Punch is focused on its upcoming sequel, Ghost of Yōtei, set to release on PS5.
Why It's Important?
The lack of interest in reviving Sly Cooper highlights the shifting priorities within Sucker Punch and Sony's broader strategy. As Sony focuses on live-service games and first-party exclusives, franchises like Sly Cooper may be sidelined. This reflects a trend in the gaming industry where companies prioritize new and potentially more lucrative projects over older franchises. For fans of Sly Cooper, this news may be disappointing, but it underscores the challenges of balancing nostalgia with business objectives. The decision also illustrates the complexities of intellectual property management, where ownership and creative control can impact the future of beloved series.
What's Next?
Ghost of Yōtei is scheduled for release on October 6, 2025, for PS5, with a potential PC launch in 2026. As Sucker Punch continues to develop new projects, the studio's focus will likely remain on expanding its current franchises. Sony's strategy may involve exploring other avenues for Sly Cooper, such as licensing the IP to other developers. However, given the current focus on live-service games, any revival of Sly Cooper seems unlikely in the near future. Fans and industry observers will be watching to see how Sony's strategic decisions shape the landscape of gaming exclusives.
