Exciting new images have surfaced online, offering a glimpse into what could have been Sony's next installment in the beloved Twisted Metal franchise. These images, originating from a former UI developer at Sony-owned Firesprite, suggest that the studio was working on a live service game under the codename Project Copper. This game was poised to blend the iconic vehicular combat of Twisted Metal with innovative battle royale mechanics, a fresh take on the series that hasn't seen a new entry since the PlayStation 3 era.
The leaked screenshots, though intentionally blurred and marked "Under NDA," were part of the developer's online portfolio. According to the developer, Project Copper was envisioned as a "third-person vehicular action combat game based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation and developed by Firesprite." The game aimed to incorporate third-person shooter elements alongside its vehicular combat, with the ultimate goal of being the last player standing.
Unfortunately, Sony canceled the Twisted Metal project amid widespread layoffs in February 2024. At the time of its cancellation, the game was not yet greenlit, but it had been in development at Firesprite, a UK studio affected by the cuts.
Sony's decision to cancel Twisted Metal reflects a broader strategic shift away from live service games. This move comes after an initial push to develop more live service titles. For instance, Naughty Dog halted development on The Last of Us Online in December 2023, citing the need to focus resources on future single-player projects. Similarly, while Arrowhead's Helldivers 2 became a massive success, selling 12 million copies in just 12 weeks, Sony's live service hero shooter Concord faced a swift demise due to low player engagement. Additionally, in January, Sony canceled two other unannounced live service games, one from Bluepoint working on a God of War title, and another from Bend, the studio behind Days Gone.
While fans may not see a new Twisted Metal game in the near future, the Twisted Metal TV series starring Anthony Mackie is set to return for a second season on Peacock. IGN's review of the first season awarded it an 8/10, praising it as "a miraculously enjoyable blend of comedy, violence, and thoughtfulness," despite its occasional overload of humor.
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