London Studio was founded in 2002, when SCE Studio Camden (formerly Psygnosis) and Team Soho merged. While their portfolio includes traditional IP like PS2's GTA-like The Getaway series, most LS games took advantage of the various peripherals each PlayStation had.
LS's most successful IP was Singstar, which used a USB mic and sold 20 million+ across PS2-PS4. More unique peripherals were used too, such as PS2's camera-based EyeToy series, PS3's AR Wonderbook series, and PSVR's Blood and Truth on PS4. All were commercially and/or critically successful. PS3's PlayStation Home was also one of the first metaverses, launching 10+ years before it was even a term.
While Blood and Truth did well, the then-upcoming PS5 made a sequel unlikely. Considering Sony's live-service push too, it's no surprise LS pivoted there - especially as it was still consistent with their experimental culture, as live services were new to them. Unfortunately, this project was not only cancelled, but also caused LS's closure in 2024.
Project Camden was an online co-op combat game set in a modern fantasy London, used the Soho engine LS built for PS5, and had the longest development time in LS history. Sony's 2020-23 live-service push also meant Camden was easily greenlit, but there's a major risk in following trends given how long game development now is.
By 2024, there was a worse economy, less playtime post-lockdown, and a hatred for live services among PS5's hardcore base. LS was also in an expensive city, in a genre they had no experience in. So when Sony cut costs, LS was logically chosen for closure over others.
It's a particular shame as they had a path for great success. In 2005, LS revealed 2 traditional AAA PS3 titles - The Getaway and Eight Days - with excellently received trailers. But Sony cancelled both to reallocate money to others. Had these blockbusters reached their potential and launched to a starving 06-09 PS3 hardcore audience, LS history would be very different.
LS now live on through Twisted Works - a new developer composed of many former staff. In December 2025, they revealed Cast Outs, which is basically what Camden was. With an early access beta scheduled for PS5/PC in early 2027, this will really help determine if Sony made the right choice in closing LS.
