A Major New Horror IP Is Brewing at PlayStation
In the world of PlayStation’s first-party studios, some projects are kept under tighter wraps than others. While we’ve seen plenty from Insomniac and Naughty Dog, there’s a growing buzz around a secret, ambitious project from Firesprite, the UK studio behind the visually stunning PSVR2 launch title, Horizon Call of the Mountain. Recent job listings and insider leaks have started to paint a picture of what they’re working on, and it points to a massive, narrative-driven horror game that could be a flagship title for the PlayStation 6.
After being acquired by Sony in 2021, the studio has been quietly expanding and gearing up for something big. Now, the clues are starting to surface, and they all point towards a dark, atmospheric, and emotionally charged experience that could be exactly what fans of story-driven horror have been waiting for.
Decoding the Clues: What the Job Listings Tell Us
The most concrete evidence comes directly from Firesprite’s own careers page. The studio has been hiring for a “AAA narrative-driven” project with a “strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, player agency, and immersion.” They’re specifically looking for talent with experience in creating cinematic experiences and branching narratives, which immediately brings to mind games like Supermassive’s The Quarry and, most notably, Until Dawn.
One previous leak even mentioned an internal project at Firesprite codenamed “Heartbreak,” described as a “narrative-heavy horror experience.” When you connect these dots, the genre becomes clear. This isn’t just another action game; Firesprite is crafting a cinematic horror story where player choice will likely have a major impact on the outcome. The focus on “emotive” storytelling and difficult plot choices is classic interactive drama DNA.
The Until Dawn Connection: A Sequel or Spiritual Successor?
This is the question on every fan’s mind. With Sony currently remastering the original Until Dawn for PS5 and PC, it’s clear they see a future for the franchise. The demand for this style of game is strong, and Firesprite seems perfectly positioned to take the torch. While some rumors have suggested a new entry in the long-dormant Siren series, the evidence leans much more heavily toward the Until Dawn universe.
Whether it’s a direct sequel (Until Dawn 2) or a spiritual successor that builds on the same choice-driven mechanics, the project appears to be Sony’s big bet on the genre. The studio is looking to create a visually stunning, emotionally resonant horror game that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Building on the beloved foundation of Until Dawn would give them a huge head start.
| Leaked Detail | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| AAA Narrative-Driven Project | A high-budget, story-focused game, not a small experimental title. |
| Focus on Player Agency & Branching Paths | Core mechanics will likely revolve around player choice, similar to Until Dawn. |
| Cinematic and Emotive Storytelling | Expect a movie-like experience with a strong emphasis on character and emotion. |
| “Next-Generation Hardware” Focus | The project is targeting hardware beyond the PS5, almost certainly the PlayStation 6. |
| Project Codename “Heartbreak” | Hints at the emotional, possibly tragic, core of the game’s narrative. |
Next-Gen Ambitions: A PlayStation 6 Launch Title?
Perhaps the most exciting detail in the job listings is the repeated mention of leveraging “next-generation hardware technologies.” At this stage in the PS5’s lifecycle, this phrasing is almost certainly a reference to the PlayStation 6. AAA game development cycles are long, often taking four to six years for a project of this scale. If Firesprite has been working on this since their acquisition, a release window around 2027 or 2028 would align perfectly with the rumored launch period for Sony’s next console.
This suggests that Firesprite’s horror game isn’t just another title in the PS5’s lineup; it could be a defining, early-generation exclusive for the PS6. Sony has a history of launching new hardware with graphically impressive, story-driven single-player games, and this project fits that mold perfectly.
Conclusion
While Firesprite and Sony are keeping the details under lock and key, the writing is on the wall. A major AAA narrative horror game is in the works, and all signs point to it being a successor to Until Dawn, built from the ground up for the PlayStation 6. This is a massive undertaking for Firesprite and a huge vote of confidence from Sony. For fans of cinematic horror, this secret project is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games on the horizon, potentially bridging the gap between console generations with a terrifying and emotionally gripping story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Firesprite?
Firesprite is a first-party PlayStation video game developer based in Liverpool, UK. They were acquired by Sony in 2021 and are known for developing games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and The Persistence.
What kind of game is Firesprite working on now?
Leaks and job listings indicate they are working on a AAA, narrative-driven horror game with a strong focus on story, atmosphere, and player choice.
Is this game a sequel to Until Dawn?
It is not confirmed, but this is the leading rumor. Given Sony’s recent remaster of Until Dawn and the project’s description, it is highly likely to be either a direct sequel or a spiritual successor in the same genre.
What console will this new game be on?
The project is described as using “next-generation hardware technologies,” which strongly implies it is being developed for the PlayStation 6, possibly as a cross-generation title with the PS5.
When is the game expected to be released?
There is no official release date. However, based on typical AAA development cycles and the PS6 timeline, a release between 2027 and 2028 is a reasonable expectation.
What was the leaked codename for the project?
An earlier leak referred to an internal narrative horror project at Firesprite by the codename “Heartbreak.”