New First-Party PlayStation Game Will Reportedly Be Inspired by Smash Bros

Summary

• Bungie's mysterious project, codenamed "Gummy Bears," has reportedly transitioned to a new PlayStation studio.
• While categorized as a MOBA, the game is rumored to incorporate a percentage-based damage system inspired by Super Smash Bros., replacing traditional health bars.
• "Gummy Bears" has reportedly been in development for at least three years but remains years from release, targeting a younger audience than previous Bungie titles.

A first-party PlayStation game codenamed "Gummy Bears" is reportedly drawing inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. series. This revelation, along with other details about the enigmatic PlayStation project, comes from a recent report.

Initial whispers of "Gummy Bears" surfaced in August 2023, when The Game Post reported a MOBA under this codename was in development at Bungie. A year later, Bungie's announcement of 220 employee layoffs (a 17% reduction) included the news that 155 employees would integrate into Sony Interactive Entertainment.

This integration has led to Sony establishing a new PlayStation studio, according to The Game Post, citing anonymous sources. This new subsidiary, reportedly comprising around 40 employees, has assumed development of "Gummy Bears." While the game is likely years from release, its current development stage remains unclear. The Game Post also reports that the MOBA will adopt a key mechanic from Super Smash Bros.

Gummy Bears Reportedly Ditches Health Bars, Embraces Smash Bros.-Style Damage

Instead of health bars, "Gummy Bears" reportedly uses a percentage-based damage system. Higher damage percentages increase knockback, potentially even knocking characters off the map—a mechanic strongly reminiscent of Super Smash Bros.

"Gummy Bears" will feature the standard MOBA character classes: Attack, Defense, and Support. Multiple game modes are planned, alongside a described aesthetic that's cozy, vibrant, and "lo-fi"—a stark contrast to Bungie's previous work. The Game Post's sources suggest this stylistic shift is deliberate, aiming to differentiate "Gummy Bears" and attract a younger demographic.

Including its time at Bungie, "Gummy Bears" has reportedly been in development since at least 2020. The developer switch aligns with PlayStation's recent establishment of a new Los Angeles studio, suggesting this California-based division is working on "Gummy Bears."