PlayStation Reportedly Reviving Ape Escape with Former Sonic Developers

After more than 15 years on hiatus, the beloved Ape Escape franchise might finally be making a triumphant return. Industry reports from VGC and veteran games journalist Jeff Gerstmann indicate that developer Evening Star is currently spearheading a revival for Sony Interactive Entertainment. Founded in 2018 by Christian Whitehead—the creative mind behind Sonic Mania—the studio is coming off the momentum of their 2024 3D platformer, Penny’s Big Breakaway.

“I don’t think this project is launching imminently, but we’ve been discussing an Ape Escape revival in internal circles for nearly a year now,” Gerstmann noted on his podcast, The Jeff Gerstmann Show.

Addressing the speculation surrounding the developer, Gerstmann added, “Who is at the helm? That’s a great question. Naturally, many fans assumed Team Asobi—the creative force behind Astro Bot—was taking it on. However, my understanding is that an external studio is handling development. Who made Penny’s Big Breakaway? Evening Star. That is the team I’ve heard is tackling this project.”

Team Asobi consists of the remaining talent from Sony’s legendary Japan Studio, the powerhouse creators behind classics like Ape Escape, LocoRoco, Gravity Rush, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian. Following Japan Studio’s closure and restructuring in 2021, many expected Team Asobi to carry the torch for Sony’s historical mascot platformers—especially given the delightful “Apes On The Loose” tribute level hidden inside the Gorilla Nebula in Astro Bot.

While whispers of an Ape Escape comeback have circulated for years, this serves as the most substantial update to date. According to VGC insiders, Sony is actively looking to resurrect several dormant intellectual properties by outsourcing them to external developers. This strategy mirrors previous collaborations, such as partnering with Bandai Namco for 2025’s Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots. Rumor has it that Sony is also exploring options to bring back the gritty sci-fi shooter series, Killzone.

When was the last mainline Ape Escape game?

While the spin-off PlayStation Move Ape Escape technically represents the franchise’s final release, it was far from a traditional entry. The series originally launched in 1999 to widespread critical acclaim, followed by Ape Escape 2 in 2003 and Ape Escape 3 in 2005. Despite numerous party games and side projects, it has been over two decades since fans experienced a true flagship sequel.

For uninitiated players, the core gameplay loop revolves around tracking down and capturing mischievous, time-traveling primates using an inventive arsenal of gadgets like Stun Clubs and Time Nets. The original PlayStation release remains a landmark title in gaming history, celebrated for showcasing the absolute potential of the original DualShock controller’s dual analog layout.

Platform-exclusive content? What year is it?

Source: Polygon