For decades, first-party intellectual properties (IPs) have been a cornerstone of PlayStation‘s business model. Although the brand launched with some notable console exclusives, it wasn’t until the sixth and seventh generations of gaming that PlayStation significantly increased its investments in first-party studios. Iconic franchises such as God of War, Uncharted, and Gran Turismo emerged as essential titles that contributed greatly to console sales.
In the last decade, PlayStation’s focus on developing robust first-party titles has intensified, showcasing games like The Last of Us, Spider-Man, God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon, and more recently, Astro Bot. These franchises have not only highlighted the capabilities of PlayStation hardware but have also driven system sales. With Naughty Dog’s recent announcement of a new IP, it appears that PlayStation’s first-party strategy is poised to continue evolving, potentially marking the beginning of a transformative era for its studios.
The Impact of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet on PlayStation Studios
How Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Could Showcase Naughty Dog’s Versatility
Naughty Dog boasts a diverse portfolio of games throughout its history. The studio began with a handful of educational and sports titles before achieving commercial success with Rings of Power and Way of the Warrior in the early ’90s. The 1996 release of Crash Bandicoot, a beloved platformer exclusive to PlayStation, marked a significant turning point for the studio.
From 1996 to 1999, Naughty Dog released three primary entries in the Crash Bandicoot series along with a racing spin-off. However, the studio soon pivoted to focus entirely on a new franchise, Jak and Daxter, spanning four years before launching the Uncharted series from 2007 to 2011 and introducing The Last of Us in 2013.
Over the past three decades, Naughty Dog has repeatedly demonstrated its adaptability, transitioning from whimsical mascot platformers to expansive action-adventure and serious action-stealth narratives. With the upcoming release of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the studio is venturing into retrofuturistic sci-fi, a move that may inspire other PlayStation studios to embrace new creative directions.
Intergalactic: The Catalyst for New PlayStation IPs?
In May 2023, Sony revealed its ambition to allocate 50% of its PlayStation Studios budget to new IPs, with the remaining half dedicated to established franchises. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet could be just the beginning of an exciting wave of new content.
Additionally, studios like Haven are working on Fairgames, while Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey disclosed their undertaking of a new IP during a Minnmax interview. Bend Studio has hinted at a new project, and Housemarque confirmed they are also crafting a fresh title, as early as March 2022.
Rumors suggest that Santa Monica Studio may diversify from its work on God of War to develop a new IP under the guidance of Cory Barlog. The anticipated success of Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic could indeed herald a new era for PlayStation’s IP landscape.
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