Summary
- A PlayStation studio, taking over development from Bungie, is now working on a mysterious game code-named Gummy Bears.
- While a MOBA at its core, Gummy Bears uniquely incorporates a percentage-based damage system inspired by Super Smash Bros., replacing traditional health bars. Knockback increases with damage, culminating in characters being knocked off the map.
- In development since at least 2020, Gummy Bears is still likely years from release and aims for a younger audience than previous Bungie titles.
A first-party PlayStation game, codenamed Gummy Bears, is reportedly drawing inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. series. This revelation, along with other details about the enigmatic project, comes from a recent report.
Initial whispers of Gummy Bears surfaced in August 2023, when The Game Post reported Bungie's development of a MOBA under this codename. Subsequently, Bungie's 2024 announcement of 220 employee layoffs (17% of its workforce) included the integration of 155 employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment.
This integration has led to Sony establishing a new PlayStation studio, according to The Game Post's unnamed sources. This new subsidiary, comprised of approximately 40 employees, has assumed development of Gummy Bears. While the game's release remains years away, its current development stage is unclear. The Game Post also reports that the MOBA will incorporate mechanics reminiscent of Super Smash Bros.
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. This system directly influences knockback distance; higher percentages result in greater knockback, potentially leading to characters being knocked off the map. This closely mirrors 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, alongside a described aesthetic: cozy, vibrant, and "lo-fi"—a stark contrast to Bungie's previous work. This stylistic shift is reportedly intentional, aiming to differentiate Gummy Bears and attract a younger demographic.
Including its time at Bungie, Gummy Bears has been in development since at least 2020. The reported developer switch aligns with PlayStation's recent establishment of a new Los Angeles studio, suggesting this studio is responsible for Gummy Bears' development.
