Square Enix is prepping for next-gen gaming in a big way with Project Athia, a new IP from Luminous Productions that will be releasing for PS5 and PC. Very little is known about the game – even its name isn’t final – but it will be an “open-world style” experience. This is according to Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda.
Speaking to Weekly Tokyo Keizai Plus (translation via Gematsu), Matsuda said that, “The game Project Athia (title tentative), which we will release for PS5, is an open-world style game in which users can freely move around the game world. PS5 dramatically improves video technology, such as with the implementation of light-reflecting ‘ray-tracing’ technology. Compared to what you see on PC, it is nearly identical.
“By utilizing these special traits, we’re able to create incredibly precise imagery. We still plan on developing well-balanced games tailored to a platform’s traits, including smartphone and cloud-based games, but we will never stop developing for high-end platforms such as PS5. Because these things are packed with the best technology.”
Luminous Productions is fairly experienced with open-world games, as evidenced by Final Fantasy 15. Such an experience would benefit greatly from the PS5’s hardware with the solid-state drive cutting down on loading times. It may be a while before anything else is revealed about Project Athia though so strap in for the long haul.
As for the PS5, it’s currently slated to release this holiday season. Launch titles include Astro’s Playroom, Deathloop, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Sony will reportedly have new State of Play presentation in August so stay tuned for more details on other potential releases.