Sony has unveiled a new PlayStation studio named teamLFG, sparking excitement with the announcement of its inaugural game project. In a detailed post on the PlayStation Blog, Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Business Group, revealed that teamLFG was born out of Bungie, the creators behind Destiny and Marathon, and is currently incubating an ambitious project that Hulst is eagerly anticipating.
The name teamLFG, short for 'Looking For Group,' hints at a focus on social gaming, a theme that permeates their upcoming project. The debut game from teamLFG is described as a team-based action game, pulling influences from an eclectic mix of genres including fighting games, platformers, MOBAs, life sims, and "frog-type games." Set within a new, mythic, science-fantasy universe, the game promises a lighthearted and comedic atmosphere.
teamLFG's mission is to foster games where players can find friendship, community, and a sense of belonging. They envision a gaming environment where players eagerly log in to join friends already online, celebrate memorable plays, and create lasting memories and inside jokes. The studio is committed to crafting immersive multiplayer worlds that players can engage with for countless hours, continuously evolving through player feedback and early access playtests.
"We want our players to feel excited when they log on to discover their teammates already hanging out online. We want our players to recognize familiar names and to make myths and memes out of each other. We want our players to love remembering that one time where they pulled off That Play that changed the whole story of the match. As we say on the team – dat’s da good stuff."
The studio's approach emphasizes staying agile and responsive to player input, not only before the game's launch but also throughout its life as a live service, ensuring ongoing growth and community engagement.
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The incubation project that evolved into teamLFG's game originated from Bungie during a period marked by significant layoffs. Following Sony's acquisition, Bungie faced challenges in meeting financial targets with Destiny 2, resulting in layoffs affecting about 100 employees in November 2023. A subsequent round of layoffs in 2024 impacted another 220 staff members, or 17% of the workforce, with 155 being reassigned within Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was during these tumultuous times that the incubation project was announced.
Amidst these changes, a former Bungie lawyer praised Sony's involvement in pushing through improvements for Destiny 2. Recently, Bungie has shifted focus, fully unveiling the extraction shooter Marathon and outlining the future roadmap for Destiny 2. However, there are no plans for Destiny 3, and a Destiny spinoff called Payback has been canceled.
