Media Molecule's next game includes open-world content
Intelligence Summary
- Media Molecule is working on a new IP with open-world elements, according to a recent job listing. More details here.
Media Molecule's next game includes open-world content
Sony first-party studio Media Molecule is reportedly working on a brand-new game with open-world elements. The information comes from the CV of a current Media Molecule employee, which states that the studio is working on an unannounced project with "open-world content." The news has caught the attention of fans hoping for a sequel to the beloved LittleBigPlanet, but it does not seem like this new project will be a direct follow-up to a Sackboy adventure.
New IP
The listing on the CV indicates that this is a new intellectual property (IP). That means fans should not assume it will be anything in line with the studio's previous work. Despite the popularity of the LittleBigPlanet franchise, developing a new entry in that series now appears unlikely.
Media Molecule's creativity
Media Molecule is best known for earlier titles such as LittleBigPlanet and Dreams, which gave players the ability to create their own experiences using in-game tools. Dreams, which was reviewed 9/10 by IGN, let players build full games with unique mechanics and visual styles. Despite the success of Dreams, Media Molecule ended support for the game after three years, leading to speculation about what the studio would do next.
Future development
Past comments from the studio suggest the new project may already have been in development in 2023. In October of that year, Media Molecule said it had spent the year making the transition to a new project. While the studio is known for its creativity, it is still unclear how this new project will compare to its previous titles.
Timeline
2023-10: Media Molecule says it is working on a new project.
2026-05-25: Information about open-world content in a new Media Molecule game emerges.
It seems unlikely that the studio is currently making a sequel to LittleBigPlanet, especially given the new IP it is developing. However, it is still possible that a new LittleBigPlanet game could be reconsidered someday, especially since Sumo Digital, another studio, developed LittleBigPlanet 3 and Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
With rumors swirling around Media Molecule's new game, interest in the studio's creations is higher than ever. The team has proven in the past that it can successfully take on new challenges and deliver innovative gameplay. Fans will have to wait for more details on this promising project.
