A new entry in the Ape Escape franchise is reportedly in development, with the team behind the acclaimed indie title Sonic Mania said to be at the helm. Developer Evening Star, which also released Penny's Big Breakaway earlier this year to mixed reviews, is rumored to be working on the project.
The report originates from journalist Jeff Gerstmann and has been corroborated by sources speaking with Video Games Chronicle (VGC). Gerstmann stated on his podcast that he has heard from "some other folks" that an Ape Escape game is indeed being made, though he cautioned that it is likely not close to release. He indicated that an external studio, specifically Evening Star, is developing the game.
This development aligns with a broader strategy rumored to be employed by Sony, which reportedly plans to leverage third-party studios to revive dormant series across its portfolio. Similar rumors have recently surfaced regarding a potential revival of the Killzone series, though that project's development team has not been definitively named.
The last game released in the Ape Escape series was PlayStation Move Ape Escape in 2010 for the PS3. The most recent mainline installment, Ape Escape 3, launched for the PlayStation 2 in 2005. Gerstmann indicated that when he first heard about the Ape Escape project, it sounded as if it was in the very early stages of development, having only recently been greenlit.
Sony has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding its rumored third-party licensing strategy.