Media Molecule Reportedly Working On New Game

It's been a while since we've last had a Media Molecule game.

If we're being specific, it's been since 2020, when Dreams came out. Once titans of the PlayStation 3 and Vita era, with Little Big Planet and Tearaway, the studio has not had any significant output, seemingly avoiding closure that so many other PlayStation studios have fallen victim to.

However, that could soon change, as the developer is reportedly working on a new IP that will feature some sort of open world element.

Astro Bot May Have Finally Killed Off Sackboy And Little Big Planet

Sackboy's last solo adventure was in 2020.

As first reported by MP1st, a portfolio of an artist actively involved with the project has surfaced online, including a resume that references open world content.

As the site noted in its report, any open world-like features would be a massive departure from what Little Big Planet has traditionally offered as a more streamlined adventure with a focus on user-generated experiences. The resume also highlights moment-to-moment gameplay, forage design and “main” POIs.

Whatever the IP is, it's ultimately being developed under a significantly reduced staff, as Media Molecule has undergone significant layoffs following the completion of Dreams.

As it stands, the last project adjacent to Media Molecule is Sackboy: A Big Adventure, a launch title for the PlayStation 5 that was developed by Sumo Digital but starred Sackboy, the mascot of Little Big Planet.

Otherwise, it's been radio silent for what was once a massive focal point of PlayStation's first-party strategy. It doesn't help, then, that Astro Bot has seemingly replaced Sackboy as a “mascot” for the brand, with Team Asobi having pumped out two experiences in four years related to Astro Bot. The 2024 iteration won Game of the Year.

Given that the project has not been formally announced in any capacity, beyond its existence, it seems like it will likely be a while before PlayStation gamers can experience it.