Firesprite

History

Founded in 2012, Firesprite are a Liverpool-based developer formed by ex-Studio Liverpool (previously Psygnosis) employees after Sony closed the studio weeks earlier to reduce EU headcount. Firesprite's first major game was 2018's The Persistence, which launched on PS4 as well as Xbox One and Nintendo Switch since Sony wouldn't acquire Firesprite until 2021.

So far, Firesprite have released 2 PS5 games - an enhanced port of The Persistence in 2021, and flagship PSVR2 launch title Horizon Call of the Mountain in 2023. Neither was particularly well received, critically or commercially. In fact, Firesprite have the lowest average Metacritic score (75) out of the PS Studios who've shipped a PS5 title.

Crunch was also necessary to ship Horizon VR despite its reception. All but one founder and many other staff also left once retention bonuses were paid out, and layoffs then took place a year later, after reports that their unannounced live-service Twisted Metal game was cancelled.

My Analysis & Predictions

Despite a turbulent start under Sony, Firesprite announced Until Dawn 2 in 2026, for a 2027 launch. It's a standalone sequel to 2015's Until Dawn on PS4, which is still highly regarded as one of the best in the interactive horror genre. However, while UD2's announcement was mostly well received outside of its character models, Firesprite face an uphill battle.

UD2 is being made by a studio that's suffered layoffs, loss of leadership, game cancellations, and haven't shipped a game above 80 on Metacritic. UD's remake on PS5/PC by Ballistic Moon also damaged confidence in Sony's stewardship of the IP. Most felt the 2024 remake was inferior to the 2015 original and its poor sales led to BM closing. Considering these factors, it's unlikely UD2 succeeds critically or commercially.

Horizon COTM On PSVR2

PS5 Games