Is Sony’s New Licensing Strategy the Key to Reviving Beloved PlayStation Classics?

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Sony has started licensing some of its dormant intellectual property to third-parties.

Although the partnership between the company and Bandai Namco was particularly highlighted following this week’s Nintendo Direct, it’s important to note that this kind of collaboration is something Nintendo has been involved in for quite some time.

Reflect on the 2023 FantaVision reboot, a project developed and launched by Cosmo Machia, exclusively for PS5 and PC, with a license from PlayStation. This marked the start of our strategic endeavor.

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Previously this year, it transferred the rights for Freedom Wars to Bandai Namco, allowing creator Dimps to remaster it across various systems. Now, they’re collaborating with the same publisher to lease the Patapon and Everybody’s Golf franchises.

Each of these games shares a distinctive trait: they were initially developed by Japan Studio, and they are highly beloved among fans.

Reviving some of Sony’s cherished series might find its stride by addressing the concerns of PlayStation fans who frequently express disappointment over dormant older franchises. This could be an effective approach.

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To illustrate, a remastered edition of the initial two Gravity Rush games might attract interest across PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. Although it’s possible to play the original versions on Sony’s system due to backwards compatibility, fans would probably be eager for an updated version with numerous enhancements.

Tokyo Jungle is a game that’s often mentioned, especially on the PS3. This roguelike title did exceptionally well in Japan, but its challenging gameplay was somewhat misinterpreted when it came out in 2012. In today’s gaming environment, we believe a re-release would be warmly welcomed.

Indeed, there are numerous games from Sony’s past library that we believe still hold potential for continued enjoyment.

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The game titled Puppeteer was a fantastic side-scrolling platformer, however, it came out for the PlayStation 3 before the PlayStation 4’s debut, resulting in it being largely overshadowed. Nevertheless, given a chance, it could readily attract players on contemporary platforms, if only the manufacturer were open to licensing the IP.

Soul Sacrifice is a hidden gem that could potentially find a place on modern PCs and consoles. Its gameplay is reminiscent of the classic Monster Hunter format, but what makes it stand out is its dark, unique artwork and sacrificial themes. We believe that with an update to higher resolution, its distinctive visual style would really shine.

It seems like none of these games will be developed further by Sony, as they have closed down Japan Studio and shifted their focus elsewhere.

Although it’s disappointing for PlayStation fans, these games can only be revived by interested third-parties. And that’s exactly what’s happening with games like Patapon and Everybody’s Golf – even though they may no longer be exclusive to the console, at least they are still in existence.

If you’re a fan of Japan Studio and its rich history, then it would be great if you could actively advocate for their new releases. Show your support by backing the new ports when they become available, and don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm for these beloved properties!

It’s unfortunate that PlayStation has let go of some beloved brands, but it would be even sadder to see them wither away. By adopting this licensing approach, there’s a genuine possibility for popular franchises to have a revival. If these new versions are successful, Sony might consider reintroducing them in the future.

Let’s cross our fingers that Bandai Namco’s innovative steps inspire even more Sony series to come back to life, in a sense.

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2025-03-28 19:07