Since the studio was founded all the way back in 1997, Fleming has been in charge. The company would become an official part of the PlayStation banner in 2000, and Fleming has steered it throughout the development of a host of games, from the Sly Cooper trilogy on the PS2, to the inFamous series on PS3. After the release of inFamous First Light on the PS4 back in 2014, the studio would then begin work on its most successful release—Ghost of Tsushima.

As for Fleming’s successors, both Connell and Bentley have been with Sucker Punch Productions for quite some time. Connell worked as co-director on both Ghost of Tsushima and its sequel, Ghost of Yōtei, while Bentley served as the technical director at the studio, steering its engineering and production efforts. The two will also serve as creative leads for Sucker Punch Productions alongside Nate Fox.

“Brian’s vision and leadership have shaped the studio’s culture of creativity and collaboration and established a foundation that Jason, Adrian, and the entire team will build on as they look to the future,” wrote Sony in its announcement.

Fleming had previously spoken quite a bit about the studio’s general direction in light of the successful release of Ghost of Yōtei earlier this year. Back in October, he had noted that Sucker Punch Productions will continue to remain a single-project studio, rather than splitting its teams up to work on multiple games at the same time.

He revealed this as part of an interview where he noted that, while he may not be sure about the studio’s next major project, he doesn’t want to overextend his teams by juggling multiple projects. He also noted that, while there is no shortage of good ideas to work on, the studio only really gets to pick one thing to work on.

“The truth is that whatever we do next, whether it’s continuing Ghost or going back to Sly, the decision is really more limited by, again, our cherishing of focus and time to iterate, which means that we really can only do one thing at a time,” he said. “If we were good at juggling four projects, yeah, we’d have a remaster, and let’s go do one of those, and one of those, and do some fan request, that would be really popular… But we only get to do one thing.”

“So it kind of has to be your best idea, right?” he continued. “And that’s really clarifying. It’s not like there aren’t 15 good ideas. But you only get to do one. And by the way, you only get to do one about every five years. So that choice is really important. I mean, that is choosing your college and your major every five years.”

For more details on the studio’s most recent release, Ghost of Yōtei, check out our review. The game is available on PS5, and just last month got an update that brought with it support for variable refresh rate displays.

However, it’s since been relegated to the side. While speaking to Game Informer, Ghost of Yōtei co-director Nate Fox said he would “love to work on more inFamous” and even “see a trilogy re-release.” For the time being, the studio is a “one game at a time shop, and right now we are very focused on finishing Ghost of Yōtei.”

So while you should never say never, a new inFamous is unlikely anytime soon. It would be interesting to see if Sony pursues a re-release compilation of the previous titles and their DLC, especially for PS5. After all, Ratchet and Clank Collection, Jak and Daxter Collection and even Sucker Punch’s The Sly Collection remain on PS3 and PlayStation Vita. Time will tell, so stay tuned.

As for Ghost of Yōtei, it launches on October 2nd for PS5 and aims for the same length as Ghost of Tsushima but with more varied activities. And despite theories surrounding his potential return, Jin Sakai won’t be present.

As incredible as this rejuvenation of PlayStation Studios was to witness over the course of the PS4 generation in particular, however, it also meant the death of a number of Sony properties that had been perhaps not thriving, but certainly trudging along before the advent of the PS4. One in particular that many had fallen in love with was inFamous, Sucker Punch’s series that allowed players to fulfil their wildest superhero – or supervillain – fantasies in open world settings that were always excellently crafted and a blast to explore. And though Sucker Punch did start off the PS4 era with inFamous, by now, the studio seems to have fully transitioned away from the franchise, with a return to it looked unlikelier by the day.

But why exactly is it that inFamous wasn’t able to survive beyond those early PS4 years? If inFamous Second Son, which was the series’ last outing, had been an unmitigated critical and commercial disaster to the extent of necessitating a fresh start for Sucker Punch as a studio, a complete break from the franchise would have been easy to understand. But Second Son was, at the very least, a good game, even if it wasn’t exactly an instant masterpiece, while with roughly six million units sold as of 2019, it was also by no means a commercial slouch. Its follow up, standalone expansion First Light, was also received well enough by critics and players in its own rights. All of which is to say that inFamous was clearly successful enough to warrant a continued existent, at the very least.

So, we come back to the question- what was behind inFamous’ demise? Well, it may just have been as simple as the franchise have run its natural course. After having delivered three full-fledged mainline entries in about half a decade, Sucker Punch may have felt that it had got everything out of inFamous that it could- or at least wanted to. That isn’t exactly an uncommon occurrence, after all, and ultimately, it’s a good thing that studios are always willing to find and pursue new ideas, even if it means having to move on from established ones. That’s how we get new, creative IP, after all. Even within the PlayStation framework, there’s no shortage of franchises that have gone dormant due to studios moving on to newer ideas (including many that were fellow first party giants on PS3 alongside inFamous, such as Resistance and Killzone).

Just as Guerrilla moved on from Killzone, or Naughty Dog from Uncharted, Sucker Punch decided to move on from inFamous, and as good as inFamous was, it’s not hard to understand why. After three instalments, you could easily see the series in danger of growing stale, and it’s always good to see a studio recognizing that and stepping away from that pitfall in favour of something new and fresh. Of course, Sony, being the parent company, is going to have a say in that, but something that first party PlayStation studios have historically stressed is that they’re given allowed to remain in creative control of what projects they pursue.

Of course, realistically, you would expect that there would be many caveats to that- for instance, you wouldn’t expect Sony to be completely fine with a studio dropping one of its most prestigious and commercially successful franchises to explore something completely new and experimental instead. Then again, even though inFamous was pretty successful from critical and commercial perspectives in its own rights, it was never like it set the world on fire, which was probably why, after three instalments, both Sucker Punch and Sony were fine with the studio moving on to something new- and potentially even more successful. And though that can prove to be a poor decision if the new thing that the studio in such a scenario pivots to doesn’t work out – that, too, is something that we have seen before, sadly – when it does, that decision feels doubly smart in retrospect.

And just as Horizon Zero Dawn’s success allowed Guerrilla to confidently move on from Killzone, the rapturous success of Ghost of Tsushima has lifted Sucker Punch to new heights. Critical success, impressive sales, a big, swanky Hollywood adaptation officially in the works- the samurai epic has been nothing short of a runaway success, and even though the first game (and its re-releases) are all that we have seen of it so far, we would be shocked if the Ghost of Tsushima property wasn’t the main priority for Sucker Punch going forward for the foreseeable future.

Of course, that’s nothing to complain about either. Ghost of Tsushima was an excellent game, and we’re itching to get our hands on its sequel- which Sony has yet to officially acknowledge (much less announce). Presumably, the follow up to the 2020 open world title will arrive at some point within the next couple of years (if not sooner, hopefully), and you can bet your bottom dollar that that won’t be the extent of it. Sucker Punch is going to remain in feudal Japan for the next several years, which means you probably shouldn’t be holding your breath for a new Sucker Punch-made inFamous game anytime soon. Even if Sucker Punch turned into a multi-project studio, there’s no guarantee that it wouldn’t want to explore more new ideas with its second team rather than mining for gold in previously explored caves again.

Is there, perhaps, a chance that Sony spins off a new studio, or hires a different one, to work on a new inFamous game at some point in the future? Maybe it isn’t completely out of the question, seeing as that’s something that Sony has been known to do with its first party properties from time to time, especially with relatively smaller scale releases that it uses to bolster its release calendars. From LittleBigPlanet 3 and Sackboy: A Big Adventure to Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (which, of course, was another Sucker Punch property) and more, we have seen instalments in first party PlayStation properties in the past that have been developed by studios other than the ones that created those franchises. Is inFamous successful enough for Sony to want to greenlight such a project, though, especially given how much time and money it takes to make a new game of inFamous’ scale in today’s day and age? That’s where things get hairy once again.

For now, it looks like inFamous fans are going to have to keep suffering, because it doesn’t look like Sony or Sucker Punch have any intention of returning to it at any point in relatively near future. A remastered collection is maybe the best we can hope for, though frankly even that seems like a bit of a pipe dream at this point.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 

After a strong start with the first game, Naughty Dog really came into its own element with the sequel. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves told an enthralling story punctuated with thrilling set pieces and memorable characters, and it’s a game that surprisingly holds up well to this date. A PlayStation 5 remake could take full advantage of current-gen horsepower and deliver stunning visuals and smoothed-out gameplay, making for an experience that would feel completely new and fresh.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Metal Gear Solid is making a comeback with an upcoming remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, but the entry that is in the most desperate need of a remake has to be Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. And that’s not just for introducing the game to a new audience, but also because Metal Gear Solid 4 is locked on the PS3 and there is no legitimate way for current-gen console owners to enjoy this classic. We are hoping that the next remake after Delta Snake Eater will be this one, so there’s no harm in keeping your fingers crossed as well.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West 

Before Ninja Theory worked on Hellblade and eventually got acquired by Microsoft, it delivered an amazing action adventure in the form of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Released in 2010, Enslaved was a game that provided a fresh take on the classic novel Journey to the West. With its interesting gameplay ideas based on cooperation and fresh world design, Enslaved was a game that had plenty of merits to its name. Of course, it wasn’t a flawless experience by any means – which is why we need a remake for this classic. Ninja Theory could use its current-gen technology and learnings from subsequent projects to create a game that’s bigger and better than the original in every regard.

Red Dead Redemption

Rockstar Games delivered an amazing Wild West epic with Red Dead Redemption. John Marston’s tale of redemption is worth experiencing through to the end, but sadly it’s a game that’s locked on the PS3 and Xbox. While there is a remastered version available for current-gen consoles, it’s a barebones port that is in dire need of substantial improvement. As such, having a ground-up remake for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S would be really appreciated by both returning fans and those who played Red Dead Redemption 2.

Dead Space 2

EA Motive delivered an excellent reimagining of the first Dead Space with its recent remake, and we can’t help but ask for a similar remake of the second game as well. Fans of the franchise would agree that Dead Space 2 was the series at its absolute peak, and getting to experience all that through a new lens is something that has us salivating at the very thought of it all. Given the success of the first remake, it’s obviously possible that something like this might happen in the near future – so keep your fingers crossed. 

Fallout 3

Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic US, Fallout 3 takes players on an unforgettable journey filled with tons of meaningful quests and characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Despite those merits, it’s not easy to play Fallout 3 for players accustomed to modern gaming conveniences – which is why we so desperately need a remake of this classic. With no new single-player Fallout game in sight, we could do with a reimagining of Fallout 3 for the time being.

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs might feel like a cheap GTA clone at first glance, but the moment you look past that initial veneer – you will find a surprisingly fun open world with a complex web of different mechanics that come together to create something special. It’s well and truly a game of its time, and it deserves to be re-introduced to a brand new audience with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a difficult task considering that the original developer United Front Games closed its doors in 2012, but there’s no harm in having some hopes. Right?

Resistance: Fall of Man

Insomniac Games’ Resistance series was Sony’s answer to Microsoft’s Gears of War, and the similarities ranging from a post-apocalyptic backdrop to the opposing alien forces are readily apparent. But despite those similarities, Resistance: Fall of Man is a solid first-person shooter with plenty of spectacle and set pieces which makes it such a great game to remake at a time when PlayStation is known for its cinematic blockbuster experiences. Apart from that, Sony has a very evident lack of first-person shooters in its roster of exclusive IPs, so bringing Resistance back would also help diversify its portfolio.

Vanquish 

PlatinumGames is known for its slick action and spectacle like seen in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and Vanquish is a game that’s emblematic of those very strengths. This third-person action game features a rather unique gameplay loop that makes cover-based shooting an extremely fun activity through the use of power slides and slow motion, and it’s a game that has surprisingly stood the test of time. That being said, not many people actually tried Vanquish back in the day – and a full-fledged remake with modern graphics and smoother animations would be right up the alley of many gamers.

Dark Souls 1

FromSoftware perfected what they started with Demon’s Souls with 2011’s Dark Souls, and it instantly became a game for the history books. Thanks to a meticulously crafted world with distinct levels and memorable boss fights, Dark Souls was able to win the hearts of thousands upon thousands of fans. But it would be wrong to say that Dark Souls doesn’t have its fair share of problems, both stemming from the technology at the time and also a few quirks related to its design. But with a full-fledged remake, FromSoftware can take its learnings and create a game that’s better than before. 

inFamous 1

Sucker Punch Productions of Ghost of Tsushima fame made its reputation as one of Sony’s top talents through the inFamous series, which provided a thrill ride through an open-world filled with interesting missions and side activities alongside a morality system that significantly changes your playstyles and skill trees. The first game has arguably aged the worst, which is why it would require a full-fledged remake for the PS5. 

Motorstorm

Motorstorm was a rather unique offroad racing experience where players get to choose from different vehicle types to win the race. It combines high-octane racing with destruction mechanics to make for an experience that’s unlike anything, and it retains that status even after all these years. Between this and the fact that not a lot of players actually picked it up back in the day, Motorstorm is the perfect candidate for a full-fledged remake that could introduce this experience to a brand-new audience.

L.A. Noire 

L.A. Noire is undoubtedly one of the most creative games in Rockstar’s wide array of open-world offerings, and a lot of that falls down on the impressive detective work that players get to do in the myriad of cases available to solve across its vast space. The developer used cutting-edge facial modeling to make conversations with subjects more meaningful, but many of those ideas were obviously limited by the technology of the time. But now that we have modern engines like Unreal Engine 5 with features like MetaHuman toolkits, a remake of LA Noire could finally fulfill its complete creative vision in earnest.

The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is an expansive RPG with a complex web of systems and dozens of quests for players to complete. It’s safe to say that it was also ahead of its time in so many ways, which is why it is the perfect fit for a full-fledged remake for current-generation systems. Getting to explore the mystical beauty of its world in high definition will be a dream come true for fans of the genre, and while the chances of it all happening anytime soon are pretty slim – we can at least hope.

Batman Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady’s debut Batman Arkham game might just be its most focused game in the series. Each room in the asylum is meticulously designed, and the interconnected nature of the levels combined with memorable boss fights really makes it feel like a living, breathing place. But it’s also true that the game hasn’t aged all that well after so many years and subsequent entries in the series, so a remake that brings the features and mechanics from modern games would result in an instant hit.

inFamous 4

The inFamous series is famous for providing a power fantasy like no other, and Sucker Punch did an amazing job of meshing those designs with a well-crafted morality system that has the capability to affect not only the story but also the gameplay. It continues to be fresh even after all these years, and no game has really come close to matching the essence of inFamous. An inFamous 4 could make use of the PS5’s power to render some amazing visuals and explore new gameplay concepts, but with Sucker Punch most likely occupied with Ghost of Tsushima – there’s a pretty slim chance that such a project might see the light of day.

Deus Ex

It may sound counter-intuitive considering the scope of Mankind Divided and Human Revolution, but Deus Ex has always thrived on the number of choices it gives players. The different play styles, dialogues and approaches would fit well within the context of a tighter narrative and maybe encourage multiple playthroughs. As for what kind of story it would tell, given all the factions, conspiracies and whatnot, and whether it should feature Adam Jensen or a brand new character remains to be seen.

Please note that most if not all of these games are really great in their own right, and 100% completion criteria aren’t exactly indicative of the general experience of playing these games.

With that out of the way, let’s begin:

Yakuza 0

The Yakuza games are known for stuffing a ton of content into a rather small open-world space, and Yakuza 0 is no different. Completing the game to a 100% would require completing every side quest in the game, playing through all the minigames, eating all the dishes available at restaurants, and completing all related combat challenges. What makes Yakuza 0 a markedly more difficult game to tackle is the fact that some of this progress isn’t shared between Kiryu and Majima, so be prepared to spend dozens upon dozens of hours doing the same chores again and again if you wish to get that coveted platinum.

Prototype

Radical Entertainment’s Prototype might be the most obvious candidate for such a list, and with good reason. The game sees players assuming the role of Alex Mercer, who has been inflicted with a deadly virus that has given him a plethora of superpowers ranging from the ability to consume and disguise anyone to jumping across buildings and gliding through cityscapes and many more. Using these powers, you can make short work of almost anything and everything that comes in your way – and it feels really empowering to say the least.

“As our games continue to grow in scale and complexity, they require the full attention of our studio. With our focus on our current project, we have no plans to revisit inFamous or Sly Cooper right now, and no other studio is currently working on projects related to those franchises either. These characters are very special and near and dear to our hearts, so while we’d never say never to re-opening those doors down the road, for now, there are no inFamous or Sly Cooper games in development.”

In the meantime, inFamous 2’s servers for User-Generated Content will be undergoing maintenance to shift them to a “new home that will keep them up and running a bit longer.” The new servers will be sunset eventually but Sucker Punch wants to “keep them running for as long as there are active players.” It’s also working to make the Cole’s Legacy DLC for inFamous Second Son available on the PlayStation Store in all territories.

The DLC was previously exclusive to the Collector’s Edition so this is a good chance for Standard Edition owners to pick it up. As for what’s next at Sucker Punch, we may see a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima in the coming years. A recent position for Encounter Designer at Sucker Punch indicated that the studio is working on “an open-world game, with a particular focus on melee combat and stealth.”

That describes Ghost of Tsushima down to a tee. Regardless, stay tuned for an official announcement – it may be a while.

Along with Baker, prominent leaker AccountNgt has also made similar claims on Twitter of a Sly Cooper 5 being set for announcement later this year. Along with Sly Cooper 5, AccountNgt also claims that a game in the inFamous franchise is also under development. The superhero franchise has been dormant since 2014 saw the release of inFamous: Second Son, followed by its standalone expansion, inFamous: First Light.

It is worth noting that considering the reports of Sony’s lack of plans for June’s slate of gaming events, it is more likely that we’ll see Sly Cooper 5 announced during Sony’s reportedly-planned September event. Baker, AccountNgt, and previous reports indicate that Sony doesn’t have any event planned before September.

Rumours from earlier this year indicate that Sly Cooper 5 is being developed by Concrete Genie studio PixelOpus. Since series-creator Sucker Punch isn’t involved with Sly Cooper‘s new game, it is currently unknown what the studio is working on since the release of its critically-acclaimed game Ghost of Tsushima. Since rumours of a new inFamous game being in development are circulating, it is possible that Sucker Punch might be involved with development to some extent.

It is worth keeping in mind that, as these are rumours, they should all be taken with a grain of salt. Until Sony makes an official announcement, there is no veracity to claims of a new Sly Cooper or inFamous game.

https://twitter.com/accngt/status/1528867378708512768