If you knew Firewalk Studios without going through Google, it’s because you’re a PlayStation news stalwart. Founded in 2018 by the ProbablyMonsters collective, this studio based in Bellevue and piloted by alumni of Bungie, Treyarch, Raven, Respawn, Red Storm or even 343 Industries had already entered the fold of PlayStation in the spring of 2021 as part of a partnership revolving around a new AAA multiplayer license which we now know will be released on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Firewalk with me
Clearly, the management of PlayStation greatly appreciated the company of this team of 150 people, and vice versa, since the marriage proposal was accepted: Firewalk Studios will leave the bosom of ProbablyMonsters to become a fully-fledged PlayStation studio and continue to work on this new, still secret license. We don’t yet know anything about the game except that it is clearly part of the PlayStation catalog’s diversification strategy in favor of service games. The game is directed by Ryan Ellis, previously creative director of Destiny 2.
” We have had the privilege of working with ProbablyMonsters and Firewalk for several years and our teams share the same ambition to create enriching experiences for players. Firewalk’s innovative approach to connected storytelling and its commitment to high-quality gameplay continues to exceed our expectations. I think fans will be very satisfied when they see what Firewalk has in store for them. “, comments for the occasion Hermen Hulst, director of PlayStation Studios.
” Firewalk Studios is led by a world-class team, highly experienced and deeply passionate about creating exceptional multiplayer games that foster memorable shared experiences. I’m sure the studio’s next project will add to PlayStation Studios’ portfolio, and its live service and technology expertise will help expand PlayStation’s reach. adds Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
After Haven Entertainment (Jade Raymond’s studio) and Savage Game Studios (the group’s first studio dedicated to mobile), Firewalk Studios is the third studio to be acquired by SIE before it even delivers a first game on the market. Firewalk Studios is considered the 20th PlayStation Studios, a figure that drops to 17, however, if we set aside the PC support or porting studios (Nixxes, Valkyrie) and the mobile studio (Savage Game Studios). Also remember that Bungie has independent subsidiary status and is technically not part of the PlayStation Studios organization.