The Static Shock of Silence: Why Infamous Remains Dormant and What It Signals for the Future of PlayStation IPs
Nearly a decade after Sony assured fans they’d “never retire” the Infamous franchise, the superhero series remains conspicuously absent from PlayStation’s lineup. While director Nate Fox openly expresses a desire to revisit the world of Cole MacGrath and Delsin Rowe, Sucker Punch Productions is currently fully committed to Ghost of Tsushima 2. This isn’t simply a case of development cycles; it’s a symptom of a broader trend within the industry – a growing prioritization of established, ‘safe’ sequels over the risks associated with reviving beloved but dormant IPs.
The Sucker Punch Bottleneck and the Rise of Live Service Focus
Sucker Punch’s dedication to Ghost of Tsushima and its sequel is understandable. The original Ghost of Tsushima was a critical and commercial success, and its follow-up is poised to be a major PlayStation exclusive. However, this success comes at a cost. The studio, known for its distinct open-world action games, is effectively locked into a single franchise for the foreseeable future. This highlights a wider industry issue: the increasing demand for studios to deliver consistent, large-scale titles, often leaning towards live service models. Developing and supporting a live service game requires sustained, long-term investment, potentially diverting resources from projects like a new Infamous or a Sly Cooper revival.
Easter Eggs and Empty Promises: The Signals Sony Sends
The inclusion of subtle Infamous and Sly Cooper Easter eggs in Ghost of Tsushima and even Astro Bot are tantalizing breadcrumbs for fans. They acknowledge the enduring popularity of these franchises, but they also feel… insufficient. These references serve as a low-cost way to engage the fanbase without committing to substantial development. In 2015, PlayStation boss Scott Rohde’s statement about not retiring IPs felt reassuring. Yet, the subsequent years have been marked by silence, punctuated only by these fleeting nods. This discrepancy raises questions about Sony’s long-term strategy for its older intellectual properties.
The Remaster Route: A Potential Path Forward?
With the first two Infamous games remaining exclusive to the PS3, a logical first step towards a revival would be a remastered collection for the PS5. The success of remakes like Resident Evil 4 and Final Fantasy VII Remake demonstrates the market appetite for revisiting classic titles with modern graphics and gameplay enhancements. Remasters offer a lower-risk entry point than a full-fledged sequel, allowing Sony to gauge fan interest and potentially lay the groundwork for a new installment. The fact that Infamous: Second Son is already on PS4 makes a complete trilogy remaster even more feasible.
Beyond PlayStation: The Broader Implications for IP Management
The Infamous situation isn’t unique. Many beloved franchises across the gaming landscape are languishing in development limbo. This trend reflects a shift in the industry towards prioritizing established brands with proven revenue streams. While this approach minimizes risk, it also stifles innovation and potentially alienates loyal fans. The rise of Xbox Game Pass, with its emphasis on a diverse library of titles, including older and niche games, presents a compelling alternative model. The Verge’s recent interview with Phil Spencer highlights Microsoft’s commitment to preserving and expanding access to its gaming catalog. Sony could learn from this approach by actively investing in the preservation and revitalization of its legacy IPs.
The future of Infamous, and other dormant PlayStation franchises, hinges on Sony’s willingness to balance the demands of blockbuster development with the importance of honoring its gaming history. The Easter eggs are appreciated, but fans crave more than just nostalgia; they want a return to the electric world of superpowers and moral ambiguity.
What are your predictions for the future of the Infamous franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
