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

Summary

• A PlayStation studio, not Bungie, is now developing the mysterious MOBA, codenamed Gummy Bears.
• Unlike typical MOBAs, Gummy Bears reportedly uses a percentage-based damage system similar to Super Smash Bros., affecting knockback instead of directly reducing health.
• Development began at Bungie at least three years ago, but the game is still likely years from release and targets a younger audience than previous Bungie titles.

A PlayStation first-party game codenamed Gummy Bears is drawing inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. series, according to a recent report. This report also sheds light on other aspects of this intriguing project.

Initial reports of Gummy Bears surfaced in August 2023, identifying it as a MOBA in development at Bungie. Following Bungie's 2024 announcement of layoffs and the integration of 155 employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment, a new development has emerged. The Game Post reports, citing anonymous sources, that Sony has formed a new PlayStation studio. This new studio, comprised of approximately 40 employees, has assumed development of Gummy Bears. While the game is likely years from release, its current development stage remains undisclosed. The report further details a key gameplay mechanic.

Gummy Bears Reportedly Forgoes Health Bars, Adopting a Smash Bros.-Style System

Instead of health bars, Gummy Bears reportedly uses a percentage-based damage system that influences knockback distance. Higher damage percentages result in more forceful knockbacks, potentially even knocking characters off the map—a mechanic reminiscent of the damage percentage system in Super Smash Bros. games.

The game will feature three standard MOBA character classes: Attack, Defense, and Support. Multiple game modes are planned, along with a described aesthetic that is cozy, vibrant, and "lo-fi"—a stark contrast to Bungie's previous work. This stylistic shift aims to differentiate Gummy Bears and attract a younger demographic.

Including its time at Bungie, Gummy Bears has reportedly been in development since at least 2022. The shift in developers aligns with the recent establishment of a new PlayStation studio in Los Angeles, suggesting this studio is responsible for Gummy Bears' development.