Sony is reportedly planning to revive several of its classic PlayStation game franchises, with a new installment in the Ape Escape series slated to be the first project. The development is said to be handled by Evening Star, the independent studio formed by members of the team that created the acclaimed fan-favorite Sonic Mania.
This information was first shared on The Jeff Gerstmann podcast and has since been corroborated by VGC. According to reports, an external studio is working on the Ape Escape revival, addressing initial speculation that Sony's internal Team Asobi, known for Astro Bot, might be involved. It is understood that the game is not close to release.
PlayStation's strategy extends beyond Ape Escape, with the company reportedly seeking to collaborate with other external developers to bring back its legacy intellectual property. This approach mirrors the development of the upcoming Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots, which is being managed by Bandai Namco.
Ape Escape, a series of 3D platformers, was popular during the PlayStation 1 and PS2 eras. Players navigated diverse environments using specialized gadgets to capture mischievous apes. The last main entry in the series was Ape Escape 3 in 2005, though a playable tribute appeared in Astro Bot.
The potential revival of Ape Escape highlights the wealth of classic PlayStation titles that could be revisited. Rumors have also surfaced regarding a new Killzone game, potentially developed by People Can Fly. This renewed focus on legacy franchises suggests a broader initiative by Sony to reintroduce beloved series to a new audience.