Precious little has been said in the last few months by Sony about Ico and Shadow of the Colossus creator Fumito Ueda’s rabidly anticipated game, The Last Guardian, apart from a suggestion that God of War studio Sony Santa Monica might be lending a hand. Unfortunately, that’s turning out not to be the case, apart from in the most general way of contributing to Sony’s general technology base.
“The different Sony first-party teams do not necessarily actively work together, but we do communicate with each other,” according to Sony Santa Monica director of technology Christer Ericson. “We tend to visit each other several times a year, and doing so we may exchange ideas. They’ve been here, and we’ve been there. We do ask each other how are you doing that, and just sometimes go over to provide feedback.”
Collaboration and Communication Among Sony Studios
The relationship between Sony’s various first-party studios is more about collaboration and communication rather than direct involvement in each other’s projects. This approach allows each studio to maintain its unique creative vision while benefiting from shared technological advancements and feedback. For instance, Sony Santa Monica, known for its work on the God of War series, has a wealth of experience in pushing the boundaries of console capabilities. By sharing insights and technological innovations, they can help other studios, like Team Ico, overcome technical challenges without directly working on their projects.
This method of collaboration is not uncommon in the gaming industry. Studios often share best practices, tools, and techniques to improve overall game quality. For example, Naughty Dog, another Sony first-party studio, has been known to share its expertise in storytelling and character development with other teams. This cross-pollination of ideas helps maintain a high standard across all Sony titles, ensuring that players receive consistently excellent gaming experiences.
The Anticipation for The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian has been one of the most eagerly awaited games since its announcement. Fans of Fumito Ueda’s previous works, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, have high expectations for this new title. Both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus are celebrated for their unique art styles, emotional storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The Last Guardian promises to continue this legacy with its captivating narrative and the bond between the boy and his giant creature companion, Trico.
Despite the long development time and occasional rumors of cancellation, the anticipation for The Last Guardian has not waned. The game’s unique premise and the reputation of its creator have kept fans hopeful and excited. The sporadic updates and glimpses of gameplay have only fueled this anticipation, as each new piece of information is dissected and discussed by the gaming community.
Moreover, the involvement of Sony Santa Monica, even in a limited capacity, adds an extra layer of credibility to the project. Their expertise in creating visually stunning and technically impressive games reassures fans that The Last Guardian will meet the high standards set by its predecessors.
In conclusion, while Sony Santa Monica may not be directly involved in the development of The Last Guardian, their role in sharing technology and providing feedback is invaluable. The collaboration and communication between Sony’s first-party studios ensure that each game benefits from the collective knowledge and experience of some of the industry’s best developers. As the release of The Last Guardian draws closer, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, promising an unforgettable gaming experience for fans of Fumito Ueda’s work.
Source Eurogamer
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