New First-Party PlayStation Game Will Reportedly Be Inspired by Smash Bros

A PlayStation studio, newly formed from former Bungie employees, is reportedly developing a MOBA titled "Gummy Bears." This project, initially conceived at Bungie, has undergone a significant shift in both developer and design philosophy.

Initially rumored in August 2023 as a Bungie project, Gummy Bears' development has seen a transition following Bungie's 2024 layoffs and subsequent integration of employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment. The new PlayStation studio, comprised of approximately 40 individuals, now leads the project.

Unlike previous Bungie titles, Gummy Bears is designed with a younger audience in mind. Its unique selling point is a departure from traditional health bars, instead employing a percentage-based damage system reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. High damage percentages result in characters being knocked off the map, echoing the iconic Smash Bros. mechanic.

The game will feature three standard MOBA character classes: Attack, Defense, and Support, alongside multiple game modes. The visual style is described as "cozy, vibrant, and lo-fi," a stark contrast to Bungie's previous darker, grittier aesthetics.

Development on Gummy Bears, including its time at Bungie, is estimated to have spanned at least three years, beginning in 2022. While a release date remains unconfirmed, it's likely still several years away. The shift to a new PlayStation studio in Los Angeles further supports this recent report.