New PlayStation Game Inspired by Smash Bros Coming Soon

Summary

• Bungie's mysterious game code-named Gummy Bears has reportedly changed developers and is now in the works at a new PlayStation studio.
• While primarily a MOBA, the game is rumored to take inspiration from Super Smash Bros. in that it will feature a percentage-based damage system instead of health bars.
• Gummy Bears is said to have been in the works for at least three years, but could still be years away from hitting the market. It will reportedly target a younger demographic than any prior Bungie game.

A first-party PlayStation game code-named Gummy Bears is generating buzz for its unique approach to the MOBA genre, drawing inspiration from the beloved Super Smash Bros. series. Recent reports shed light on the project's development journey and its distinctive gameplay mechanics.

The first whispers of Gummy Bears' existence surfaced in August 2023, when The Game Post reported on a MOBA title in development at Bungie. However, a year later, Bungie announced significant layoffs, affecting 220 employees, which was a 17% reduction in its workforce. During this restructuring, Bungie also revealed plans to integrate 155 of its staff into Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Following these integration efforts, Sony has reportedly established a new PlayStation studio, according to The Game Post's unnamed sources. This new subsidiary, with around 40 employees, has taken over the development of Gummy Bears. Although the game is still years away from release, its development stage remains shrouded in mystery.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Gummy Bears is its departure from traditional MOBA mechanics. Instead of using health bars, the game adopts a percentage-based damage system reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. In this system, damage percentages determine how far characters are knocked back upon being hit. When the damage percentage is high enough, characters can be knocked off the map, mirroring the dynamics of Super Smash Bros.

Gummy Bears will reportedly feature the typical MOBA character classes: Attack, Defense, and Support. The game is also set to offer multiple game modes and an aesthetic described as cozy, vibrant, and "lo-fi." These design choices are a stark contrast to Bungie's previous works and are intended to appeal to a younger demographic.

Development on Gummy Bears began at least as early as 2022 during its time at Bungie. The recent shift to a new PlayStation studio aligns with reports of Sony establishing a new studio in Los Angeles, which might be the same team now working on Gummy Bears.