Games

Media Molecule Ventures into Uncharted Territory with New Project

A recent job listing unveils Media Molecule's departure from established IPs as they embark on a fresh, original game development journey.
Media Molecule Ventures into Uncharted Territory with New Project

Highlights

  • Media Molecule's upcoming game will break away from sequels and reboots, focusing on a completely new intellectual property.
  • Despite recent challenges like layoffs and the end of Dreams development, the studio is forging ahead with its innovative new venture.
  • The job listing for a Principal Programmer for Art Technology hints at a blend of creativity and technical advancement in Media Molecule's upcoming original IP.

A recent job listing from Sony has disclosed that Media Molecule, the renowned developer behind LittleBigPlanet and Dreams, is delving into uncharted waters with their next project. The new game, based on a brand-new intellectual property, has been in the works at Media Molecule for approximately a year following the conclusion of Dreams development in 2023.

Founded in 2006 and later acquired by Sony in 2010, Media Molecule gained fame for creating the beloved LittleBigPlanet series, which gained immense popularity during the PlayStation 3 era for its user-generated content and charming platformer gameplay. The series' iconic character, Sackboy, even became synonymous with PlayStation during that period. Following six entries in the LittleBigPlanet franchise, Media Molecule transitioned to Dreams in 2020, a platform that heavily emphasized user-generated content, essentially functioning as a game engine accessible to all. While Dreams spawned numerous impressive creations, Media Molecule announced in September 2023 that it would cease support for the platform to focus on their next big undertaking.

In an April blog post last year, Media Molecule clarified that their upcoming game is neither a sequel to Dreams nor related to the Dreams IP, indicating that Dreams may have fallen short commercially. Speculations arose suggesting a potential return to the LittleBigPlanet series, but a recent job listing has confirmed that Media Molecule is indeed venturing into new territory. The job opening calls for a Principal Programmer for Art Technology in Guildford, United Kingdom, the studio's headquarters. One of the primary responsibilities outlined for the position is to 'Collaborate closely with the broader programming team to establish and advocate for technical needs and standards for Mm’s new IP.'

Embracing Originality: A Fresh Start for Media Molecule

This announcement solidifies that Media Molecule's forthcoming title will be a completely original creation, diverging from the trend of sequels and reboots. While this revelation may disappoint fans hoping for a return to LittleBigPlanet, especially with the recent news of Sony discontinuing LittleBigPlanet3's servers indefinitely, it was improbable for Media Molecule to revisit the series after their involvement ended with the second installment.

Media Molecule has encountered some bumps along the road recently, including the cessation of Dreams development and a round of layoffs affecting 20% of their workforce. Additionally, reports surfaced that Media Molecule narrowly escaped closure during Sony's layoffs in February 2024, with the decision reportedly being between the now-shuttered London Studio and Media Molecule, indicating Sony's preference for the latter's ongoing project. While the specifics of the new game remain a mystery, Media Molecule's track record suggests a blend of ingenuity and lighthearted entertainment in their upcoming creation.

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