Jason Blundell, former co-head of Treyarch and director of Call of Duty: Zombies, has announced the formation of Dark Outlaw Games, a new studio helmed under the PlayStation Studios flag. Following the ill-fated Deviation Games, this marks Blundell’s second venture under Sony’s leadership.

Deviation Games, unveiled with considerable fanfare in 2021, was tasked with developing a mystery project, widely speculated to be related to Sony’s live service ambitions. However, the studio was ultimately shuttered before releasing its debut title. Blundell’s departure in 2022, followed by layoffs in 2023, stated there were other issues within the studio.

In an interview with Jeff Gerstmann (via Eurogamer), Blundell and a core team of former Deviation members have now regrouped to establish Dark Outlaw Games, offering a renewed sense of optimism. While Blundell expressed enthusiasm for Dark Outlaw Games’ inaugural project, he stated that the studio is currently in a recruitment phase and is not yet ready to share details about its work. Blundell confirmed that the studio was founded around a specific game concept, which has received Sony’s backing.

Sony’s recent track record with new studio ventures has been less than stellar. In addition to widespread layoffs, the company has shelved projects and closed studios in response to financial pressures and other industry challenges. Despite these challenges, Sony’s continued investment in new studios is a positive sign.

KitGuru says: Given Blundell’s experience, what kind of game do you think Dark Outlaw Games will make?

Become a Patron!