Bloody Hell, Did Sony London's Ghost Just Cast a New Spell? The Curious Case of 'Cast Outs'
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
It seems Sony London Studio's cancelled PS5 fantasy multiplayer game has found a new life as 'Cast Outs,' a co-op title developed by Twisted Works, which is packed with veterans from the original studio. This is a fascinating story of creative resilience, as the game bears a striking resemblance to the lost project, allowing a compelling vision to finally see the light of day.
Right, listen up, mates, because I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, and fair dinkum, it’s wilder than a rogue teleportation spell. You know that feeling when you're just about to finish a magnificent, world-changing enchantment, and then some higher power just… *poofs* it out of existence? Well, something rather similar seems to have happened in the gaming world, only this time, the vanished magic might just have found a new conjurer.
We’re talking about London Studio, specifically their ambitious, unreleased fantasy multiplayer game for the PlayStation 5. Poof! Gone. A casualty of those rather unfortunate mass layoffs at Sony last year that saw a hefty eight percent of their workforce – 900 good people, mind you – sent packing, and with them, the doors slammed shut on London Studio itself. It was a bloody shame, leaving many of us wondering what glittering magic might have been lost forever.
But here’s where it gets interesting, like a forgotten spell scroll suddenly glowing in the dark. A new outfit calling themselves Twisted Works just lifted the lid on their upcoming online co-op combat game, 'Cast Outs'. And if your internal alarm bells for 'déjà vu' aren't ringing louder than a goblin war horn right now, you might need to adjust your magical-perception goggles. Because, hold onto your wands, this new game bears a *striking* resemblance – both in concept and imagery – to that very same cancelled London Studio project.
It’s not just a passing similarity, either. Think of it like this: if the cancelled game was a particularly potent potion, Cast Outs is that same potion, brewed by the same master alchemists, just with a slightly different label on the bottle. Twisted Works, you see, was established just last year, and their roster? It's a who's who of veteran developers from some seriously impressive studios: PlayStation London Studio (obviously), Guerrilla Cambridge, Creative Assembly, Disney Interactive, Square Enix, and a few others besides. This isn't just inspiration; it's practically a spiritual successor, if not a full-blown reincarnation, brought forth by the very same creative minds who were cooking up the original.
So, what exactly is 'Cast Outs'? Well, much like its spectral predecessor, it’s an online co-op game, plunging players into an 'urban fantasy' version of London. Imagine your typical cobbled streets and historic landmarks, but with arcane energy crackling through the air and mythical beasts lurking around every corner. Twisted Works describes it as 'fantasy in a modern jacket,' which frankly sounds like my kind of vibe – less 'chainmail and broadswords,' more 'designer trench coat and a glowing runic tattoo.'
Up to four players can team up, zipping through the magically imbued cityscape, slinging spells to traverse obstacles and, naturally, smacking down enemies. The official blurb promises the 'pure spectacle of magic where spellcasting hits with the physical impact of a brawler and the immediate kick of a shooter.' That's a pretty bold claim, combining the visceral crunch of a melee game with the snappy responsiveness of an FPS. It's aiming for that 'perfect balance of quick-fix fun and high-octane action, built to be played together.' Sounds like a proper good time with your mates, doesn't it?
Now, for the really compelling bit: the visuals. Screenshots and concept art for Cast Outs share an unmistakable aesthetic with the glimpses we saw of London Studio’s cancelled project. The iconography, the colour schemes – it’s like comparing two pieces of a magically enchanted mosaic that were always meant to fit together. It's the kind of thing that makes you wonder if the original designs were simply dusted off, polished up, and given a fresh lease on life, rather than starting from scratch.
And why wouldn't they? When a creative vision is forcibly shelved, especially one with that much talent poured into it, the ideas don't just vanish into the ether. They fester, they evolve, they find new conduits. This isn't just a story about a game; it's a story about human creativity, resilience, and the sheer drive to see a project through, even when corporate decisions try to put the kibosh on it. It's a prime example of developer talent finding a new home and a new opportunity to bring their vision to fruition. It gives a bit of hope, doesn't it, when studios close, that the brilliant minds within them don't just disappear.
'Cast Outs' is slated to launch on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. No release date yet, which is a classic move for these kinds of unveilings, but honestly, I'm just chuffed to bits that this concept seems to have found a way to manifest. It’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes, or perhaps more accurately, a particularly stubborn spirit refusing to cross over.
I reckon this is a brilliant win for players, especially those who might have felt a pang of loss when London Studio went dark. It's a second chance for a promising concept, brought to life by the very people who conceived it. It’s a testament to the fact that good ideas, much like magical energy, tend to find a way to flow. I’m cautiously optimistic, as always, but this one feels genuinely exciting. What do you think, eh? Are you keen to dive into a magically charged London with your squad? I know I am!
*(Original source of this news was Eurogamer.net, article by Victoria Phillips Kennedy, published Dec. 5, 2025)*
Tags: gaming news, indie games, game development, playstation 5, pc gaming
Original article: Eurogamer