In recent years, many classic titles that lighted the first-generation consoles are getting a new life in the current-gen consoles. However, some have remained stuck in history. Many publishers including PlayStation are now considering the revival of their classic franchises—especially those that enjoyed huge success back in the day.
Speaking with the Japanese video game media Famitsu, PlayStation co-CEO Hermen Hulst disclosed the company was considering a revival of its back catalog of classic game IPs. They hope to offer a vast range of experiences to players from its first-party studios, as well as through working with external developers.
ALSO READ: Xbox Has Cracked A New Haptic Feedback Tuning For Controller?
“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,” Hulst said.
“Our goal is to publish games by the world’s best creators, both inside and outside of PlayStation, and we have achieved many successes so far by working closely with external development studios.”
Hulst also dished out accolades to Team Asobi, the studio behind The Game of the Year Winner, Astro Bot. The PlayStation co-CEO disclosed Astro Bot sold 1.5 million copies in the first nine weeks of release. Around 40% of those purchases came from players purchasing a PlayStation game for the first time or the first time in two years.
“We are thrilled that it has been so well received by the gaming community, with a Metacritic score of 94 and a wide range of players who are truly enjoying the game,” Hulst said.
“It has also contributed significantly to the expansion of the community, with a higher percentage of younger players and families purchasing the game compared to other titles.”
The idea of resuscitating old IPs is becoming a popular trend among publishers. In the past five years, Capcom has remade several old IPs for the current-gen consoles with Resident Evil 4 remake being one of the most successful. Capcom recently held a survey that specifically asked players which of their old IPs they would love to remake or get a sequel.
ALSO READ: 21 Game Studios That Shut Down In 2024
Fellow Japanese publisher, Sega, is also dusting a plethora of its old IPs including Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, jet Set Radio, and others. While the gaming industry has changed drastically since 2023, older players still love the nostalgia that comes with playing games that were part of their childhood.
PlayStation will remain focused on the home console market
Sony Interactive Entertainment co-CEO Hideaki Nishino
Despite the growing popularity of cloud-based gaming PlayStation has confirmed it will remain committed to the home console market as far as the foreseeable future. Since the release of PS1 in the 1990s, PlayStation has remained one of the heavyweights in the console market.
ALSO READ: 2 Ways To Play PS5 In Tesla Exposed
The PlayStation 2 is still one of the best-selling consoles of all time. From a recent report, the company revealed that the PS5 console has shipped more than 65 million units. In an interview with Famitsu, as reported by TwistedVoxel, Sony Interactive Entertainment co-CEO Hideaki Nishino confirmed the company will remain in the console market while also saying the PS5 still has a long life ahead.
Nishino hinted briefly about PlayStation’s next-generation console plans, emphasizing the need for innovation. The comments are coming at a time the company is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand which has now become a household name.
Which of PlayStation’s classic IPs would you be pleased to see revived? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
