Imagine a canceled game rising from the ashes, reborn with a new team and a fresh vision. That's exactly what seems to be happening with Cast Outs, a fantasy multiplayer game that bears an uncanny resemblance to Sony London's shelved project. But here's where it gets intriguing: is this a case of inspiration, homage, or something more? Let's dive in.
Last night, Twisted Works unveiled their upcoming online co-op combat game, set in a fantastical version of London. If the concept feels eerily familiar, you’re not alone. Twisted Works, founded just last year, boasts a team of industry veterans from powerhouse studios like PlayStation London Studio, Guerrilla Cambridge, Creative Assembly, Disney Interactive, Square Enix, Blu, Slide London, and more. Their collective expertise is undeniable, but this is the part most people miss: the striking similarities between Cast Outs and Sony London’s canceled PlayStation 5 game, which was also set in a fantasy-inspired London.
Both games share more than just a setting. Cast Outs, described by Twisted Works as 'fantasy in a modern jacket,' allows up to four players to team up, wield magical spells, and battle enemies across a reimagined London. Sound familiar? It’s nearly identical to the premise of Sony London’s scrapped project. Even the artwork for both games shares similar iconography and color palettes, raising eyebrows across the gaming community. Is this a coincidence, or is Cast Outs a spiritual successor?
The official description of Cast Outs promises 'the pure spectacle of magic where spellcasting hits with the physical impact of a brawler and the immediate kick of a shooter.' It’s billed as the ultimate magical urban battleground, designed for seamless cooperation regardless of skill level—a perfect blend of quick-fix fun and high-octane action. Check out the trailer below to see it in action.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Cast Outs a new game, or is it Sony London’s canceled project in disguise? Twisted Works hasn’t directly addressed the similarities, leaving fans to speculate. And this isn’t just a trivial detail—it’s a question of creative ownership and the ethics of reviving canceled projects. What do you think? Is this a bold new venture, or a controversial resurrection?
Cast Outs is slated to debut on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, though a release date remains under wraps. Meanwhile, Sony London’s closure in February 2023, part of Sony’s layoffs affecting 900 employees, adds another layer of complexity to this story. Was Cast Outs born from the ashes of that studio’s demise, or is it a completely independent creation?
And here’s the real question: Does it matter? If Cast Outs delivers on its promise of magical, cooperative gameplay, does its origin story even matter? Or should we hold developers to a higher standard when it comes to transparency and originality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark passionate opinions.
