In a recent interview with Famitsu, PlayStation boss Herman Hulst stated that they are open to resurrecting classic franchises from their past. Specifically, he states that “the various IPs that we own are an important asset to PlayStation, and as part of our efforts to strengthen our portfolio, we are continually looking at opportunities to leverage past IP, as well as develop new franchises.”
This is in spite of recent statements from PlayStation CFO, Hiroki Totoki, claiming that PlayStation lacks any original IPs. The new statement from Hulst is likely in response to the recent success of Astro Bot, a 3D-platformer that pays tribute to countless franchises from PlayStation’s past. This includes Ape Escape, Sly Cooper, Jak & Daxter, Parappa the Rapper, Little Big Planet, and more.
Astro Bot has sold over 1.5 million copies as of November 3. Currently, the game has a 95 top critic average on Opencritic. The statistic comes from 148 critic reviews. On Metacritic, Astro Bot has universal acclaim as well, with 137 critic reviews and a 94 aggregate score. Further, it received the prestigious “Game of the Year” award, courtesy of Geoff Keighley’s annual “The Game Awards” event.
Despite Sony CFO Hiroki Totoki’s recent comments on PlayStation original IPs, it’s clear that Astro Bot is an IP that should be fostered for years to come. Hulst’s recent comments are a testament to the game’s long-term impact. Only time will tell if and when PlayStation will resurrect their other beloved franchises that haven’t seen the light of day in years. Expect more news about the company’s future as 2025 begins in the coming weeks.
