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

Summary

• A PlayStation studio, taking over development from Bungie, is working on a mysterious game code-named Gummy Bears.
• While a MOBA at its core, Gummy Bears reportedly uses a percentage-based damage system similar to Super Smash Bros., replacing traditional health bars. Characters are knocked back further with increasing damage, and can be knocked off the map.
• In development since at least 2020, Gummy Bears is aimed at a younger audience than previous Bungie titles and is likely years from release.

A PlayStation first-party game, codenamed Gummy Bears, is drawing inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. series, according to a recent report. This report also sheds light on other details surrounding this enigmatic project.

Initial whispers of Gummy Bears surfaced in August 2023, when The Game Post reported Bungie was developing a MOBA under this codename. Following Bungie's announcement of 220 layoffs (a 17% workforce reduction) and the integration of 155 employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment, The Game Post, citing anonymous sources, now reports that Sony has established a new PlayStation studio to oversee Gummy Bears' development. This new studio, comprising approximately 40 employees, assumed responsibility for the project. While the game is likely years from release, its current development stage remains undisclosed. The Game Post also reveals that the MOBA will incorporate elements reminiscent of Super Smash Bros.

Gummy Bears Reportedly Forgoes Health Bars, Mirroring Smash Bros.

Instead of health bars, Gummy Bears reportedly uses a percentage-based damage system. This system dictates knockback distance; higher percentages result in greater knockback, potentially even knocking characters off the map—a key feature of Super Smash Bros.

The game will feature three standard MOBA character classes: Attack, Defense, and Support. Multiple game modes are planned, alongside a described aesthetic that is cozy, vibrant, and "lo-fi"—a stark contrast to Bungie's previous work. Sources suggest this stylistic shift is a deliberate attempt to distinguish Gummy Bears and attract a younger demographic.

Including its time at Bungie, Gummy Bears has been in development since at least 2020. The reported developer shift aligns with the recent establishment of a new PlayStation studio in Los Angeles, suggesting this studio is responsible for Gummy Bears' development.