PS5: 11 Second-Party Studios Sony MIGHT Buy
11 potential PS5 exclusive studios.
Throughout Sony's reign this console generation, their first-party studios have arguably been their strongest and shiniest asset.
After losing built-in third-party support during the PS3 generation, they began grafting a group of in-house developers that has remained solid and untouched throughout the current PS4 era (asides from Guerilla Cambridge shutting in 2014).
It's not a secret that Microsoft whipped out their wallet this past year to take their unbalanced first-party line-up and chisel them into a jaw-dropping bevvy of incredible talents that now stands count-for-count with Sony's studio numbers. It will take a few good years for the dividends to pay off, but the gauntlet has been laid down.
As both companies plan for next-generation consoles, Sony may be feeling Xbox's aggressive steps, as recent comments from Sony CEO Jim Ryan hint, they are beginning to look for new studios to join their team, but who would actually make for realistic candidates?
Unlike Microsoft, who threw their Bill Gates money at a slew of distinctly individual and eccentric developers (with most not holding historical ties to Microsoft), Sony's approach has always been different; they tend to nurture a tight-knit and loyal relationship with a second-party studio over the years, then when the next natural step is ownership; they seal the deal.
So, let's examine in a logical fashion which developers - with long-term Sony history - would be the natural choice to join the PlayStation family in the upcoming months.
11. Sanzaru Games
Sanzaru Games had developed a handful of low-key games and money-job ports before remastering Sony's respected platformer mascot Sly Cooper with The Sly Collection. This released to much success and started a hunger for the dormant series to return.
Since original developer Sucker Punch had moved onto the Infamous series, Sony tasked Sanzaru with creating Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. It was a strong continuation critically, although sadly failed to connect with audiences.
Why Likely:
Despite Sly 4's failure, Sony has been the only company to see Sanzaru as more than a hack studio and gave them a chance to shine as a triple-A developer.
Frankly, Sanzaru needs the stability and Sony could pick up the smaller team on the cheap and etch them into an effective worker for them; whether it be revamping dormant franchises, producing peripheral tie-ins or creating brand new I.P.
Why Not:
On the other hand, since Sly 4's failure, Sanzuru went back to their regular grind of quick-cash ports, with none of them being PS exclusives. If the potential for the two to build something together was there, it might have flown the coop with Sly.
Buying Temperature: Lukewarm