PS5: 11 Second-Party Studios Sony MIGHT Buy

Back when the indie game scene was booming on PC and Xbox 360, Thatgamecompany created a series of distinct, stylish and emotionally gripping downloadable games for the PS3.

The series of titles rolled out progressively more effective than the last; flOw, Flower and then Journey. The latter was the first 'indie' title to effectively sweep up the Game of the Year awards - which in turn, basically changed the entire industry.

Why Likely:

PS3 was seriously lacking on the online storefront for exclusives circa 2005. Sony saw something in this unproven company, contracted them into a three-game deal and had them work in an incubator over at Sony Santa Monica.

This collaboration was massively beneficial to both parties; Sony finally had PSN become a major contender in the downloadable scene, and the indie studio was plucked from obscurity into critical darling status.

Surely they would want this beautiful friendship to continue on a permanent basis?

Why Not:

After the earth-shaking reception Journey had on the market, creative head Jenova Chen was stunted by the pressure to follow it up and became an elusive figure.

Essentially, he distanced himself from it all and started fresh elsewhere on his own terms. This year, he's finally returned with the iOS exclusive Sky: Children of the Light.

Despite the incredible collaborations the two had together, it looks like Chen is set on moving forward solo and not held down by being publisher owned.

Buying Temperature: Cold