In a surprising turn of events, Bungie, the studio famed for its work on the Destiny franchise, has reportedly shifted its creative focus towards a new project dubbed “Gummy Bears,” a team-based multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA). Initially envisioned as an internal project, the game has now transitioned to a new PlayStation studio that was established amidst a significant restructuring at Bungie. This new team is composed of 155 developers, with the remnants of the Bungie team—around 40 individuals—continuing their work on the game. Significantly, this shift not only highlights Bungie’s evolving role under PlayStation’s umbrella but also reflects a broader strategy in game development that encourages fresh ideas while still capitalizing on established talent.
At its core, Gummy Bears appears designed with a younger demographic in mind, standing out with its vibrant art style and a focus on a “lo-fi” aesthetic that invites accessibility and ease of entry. Drawing deliberate comparisons to Nintendo’s critically acclaimed Smash Bros. series, Gummy Bears is ambitious in its gameplay mechanics, particularly by incorporating a percentage-based damage system. This approach, which allows players’ characters to be knocked back as accumulative damage builds, sets it apart from more traditional gameplay reliant on health bars. In addition, the class mechanics boasting support, attack, and defense roles signal a layered complexity meant to encourage teamwork and strategy among players.
Social interaction appears to be a focal point in Gummy Bears, as reports suggest players will interact in a hub environment between matches—something that could enhance cooperative engagement and lead to a more robust community. However, this aspect may not resonate with every gamer, especially those who prefer a solitary experience or less social interaction in competitive spaces. For players like myself who appreciate focused gameplay over social dynamics, this could become a departure from the heart of the competitive action the genre is known for.
The Future of Bungie’s Franchises
As Bungie explores new frontiers, it continues to juggle its well-established franchises like Destiny and the forthcoming reboot of Marathon. While many may feel skeptical about this new direction, it’s essential to recognize the studio’s history of innovation. Bungie’s ability to create diverse worlds and engaging gameplay has set them apart in the industry, making them ideal candidates for redefining the MOBA landscape. Moreover, Bungie’s track record suggests that Gummy Bears could potentially evolve into a significant contender within the genre, particularly if it successfully marries its unique mechanics with captivating narratives.
While the premise of a team-based MOBA inspired by beloved gaming icons like Smash Bros. raises eyebrows and expectations, it also opens the door for exploration and growth within the gaming landscape. As Bungie transitions and expands its creative horizons with Gummy Bears, fans and newcomers alike will be watching keenly to see how this vibrant world unfolds. Whether or not it can carve out its niche in a crowded genre remains to be seen, but the potential for something truly innovative is undoubtedly there.