Sony's small in-house studio within PlayStation studios called PixelOpus is shutting down next month. Aside from its best-known works like Concrete Genie and Entwined, the studio had been working on a new game for PS5.
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Concrete Genie is a third person adventure game coming to PS4 where you play a boy named Ash who can bring his paintings to life. Learn how PixelOpus decided on Concrete Genie as their next project, and how they’ve designed a gameplay system where anyone can become an artist.
Shutting Down PixelOpus
Another experimental studios with out-of-the-box idea has been chopped by a mega-corporation parent company to cut cost. PixelOpus announced that it will shut down its operations on June 2nd after nine years since the studios launched. Engadget reported that the studio is the developer of imaginative passion projects Concrete Genie and Entwined.
According to a spokesperson from PlayStation Studios, they regularly evaluate their portfolio in a way to make sure that they meet the short and long-term strategic objectives of the organization. Unfortunately, PixelOpus was decided by the company to close down next month as part of their recent review process.
In a statement released by the studios, PixelOpus stated, "As we look to new futures, we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the millions of passionate players who have supported us, and our mission to make beautiful, imaginative games with heart." The gaming studios of Sony remain to be grateful for their supporters.
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Looking Back
Gamespot reported that Sony formed San Mateo-based PixelOpus in 2014. This was founded by Carnegie Mellon University and San Jose State University students who worked on game prototypes for PlayStation Vita.
Both of the studio's developed games both strived for the same kinds of original ideas. Entwined features a dual-stick rhythm game through the cosmos while Concrete Genie revolved around a character who uses street art to stand up to bullying.
While Entwined received a mixed critical reception, Euro Gamer reported that Concrete Genie fared much better in 2019 as it was nominated for a BAFTA Artistic Achievement Award for its beautifully animated cutscenes and enchanting art style. Aside from these technicalities, it features a good storyline that spreads awareness of bullying.
Unreleased Game
Aside from the two developed and released games from the studio, PixelOpus was reportedly working on a PS5 game in collaboration with Sony Pictures in 2021. But ever since that rumor circulated, nothing was ever officially released by the company. The speculation comes after a job listing mentioned that the title was seeming utilizing Unreal Engine 5.
Because of this announcement, IGN reported that it remains unclear whether the project will be moved to another team. Sony, PlayStation Studios, and PixelOpus did not also mention if the employees behind the team were laid off or were given a different position from other divisions of the company.
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