The gaming industry is buzzing with speculation about Sucker Punch's next move! With the success of their latest release, Ghost of Yotei, a question looms: will they develop a third installment or revive the beloved Sly Cooper franchise?
A Tough Decision for Sucker Punch:
Ghost of Yotei, the highly anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, has debuted with impressive sales, matching its predecessor's performance despite challenging market conditions. The game secured the #2 spot on the GSD European charts, only behind EA Sports FC, and has become Sony's biggest launch since Spider-Man 2, surpassing the likes of Helldivers 2.
But here's where it gets interesting: the gaming landscape has evolved since 2020. With a smaller PS5 player base compared to the PS4's 115 million units sold, and a higher price tag of $70, Yotei's success is even more remarkable. Not to mention, consumer spending power has taken a hit, and the pandemic-induced gaming boom has subsided.
Sucker Punch's studio head, Brian Fleming, revealed their dilemma in an interview with VGC. They are a single-game studio, limiting their ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Fleming stated, "We can only do one thing at a time... It has to be your best idea." This revelation has ignited a social media frenzy, with fans clamoring for a return to the Sly Cooper series, which hasn't seen a new game in two decades.
The Sly Cooper Conundrum:
The odds of Sony greenlighting a Sly Cooper revival after 20 years seem slim, especially with the success of Yotei. However, this situation draws parallels with Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart, a critically acclaimed game that didn't break sales records but allowed developer Insomniac to explore other projects. On the other hand, PS5's Astrobot, a GOTY winner, showcases the potential of branching out from the typical third-person action genre.
So, what's next for Sucker Punch? Will they continue the Ghost series or take a leap of faith with Sly Cooper? The decision is a delicate balance between market trends, fan demand, and the studio's creative vision. And this is the part most people miss—the impact of a studio's focus and the courage to explore new ideas.
What do you think Sucker Punch should do next? Share your thoughts in the comments! Should they stick with the Ghost franchise or take a chance on a beloved classic? The gaming world eagerly awaits their next move.
