People Can Fly has signed an agreement with Sony Interactive Entertainment to develop a prototype for a new game, codenamed “Project Delta.” The deal, announced by the company, confirms that the project is based on an intellectual property owned by Sony.
Work-for-Hire Model Brings People Can Fly on Board
People Can Fly will develop the prototype under a work-for-hire arrangement. This means Sony Interactive Entertainment remains the publisher while People Can Fly acts as the contracted developer. In return, the Polish studio will receive a predetermined remuneration from Sony.
The development process will be executed in stages, with the company indicating that the agreement follows standard industry practices for such projects. No major deviations from typical contractual provisions have been noted, suggesting a structured and familiar production approach.
A Mysterious Project with Few Details
For now, specifics about “Project Delta” remain under wraps. Sony and People Can Fly have not disclosed any gameplay details, genre, or potential release window. Given the secrecy surrounding the project, speculation is inevitable.
However, there are hints in People Can Fly’s past announcements. In 2023, the company revealed a similar partnership with Microsoft for “Project Maverick,” which was recently confirmed as Gears of War: E-Day. This raises questions about the nature of the studio’s involvement with Sony’s project.
Lead Developer or Co-Development Partner?
One key uncertainty is whether People Can Fly is leading development on “Project Delta” or simply acting as a support studio. In the case of “Project Maverick,” the company worked as a co-development partner rather than the primary developer.
A similar arrangement with Sony would not be unprecedented. The industry frequently sees third-party studios collaborating with major publishers to bring projects to life. Whether People Can Fly is taking the lead or playing a secondary role, its involvement signals Sony’s commitment to working with experienced external teams.
A Strong Portfolio Backs People Can Fly
People Can Fly has a rich history in game development, with credits on several well-known franchises. The studio was behind Outriders, a sci-fi looter-shooter published by Square Enix, as well as Bulletstorm, a high-energy FPS that garnered a cult following.
The company also has ties to Epic Games, having contributed to Gears of War: Judgment. Its track record suggests it has the technical and creative expertise to handle high-profile projects.
What Could ‘Project Delta’ Be?
Without official details, fans are left to speculate about the nature of “Project Delta.” Given Sony’s extensive catalog of IPs, the possibilities are vast.
- Some speculate that the project could be related to an existing PlayStation franchise, possibly a shooter or action game given People Can Fly’s expertise.
- Others wonder if it might be an entirely new IP, offering Sony another exclusive to bolster its first-party lineup.
At this stage, the gaming community can only wait for more details to emerge.
A Growing Trend of External Collaborations
Sony’s decision to collaborate with People Can Fly aligns with a broader industry trend of outsourcing development to experienced studios. While PlayStation Studios remains focused on in-house projects, partnerships like this allow Sony to expand its portfolio without overloading its internal teams.
This approach also helps diversify Sony’s gaming offerings. By leveraging external developers, the company can explore new gameplay styles and ideas while maintaining a steady pipeline of releases.
With “Project Delta” still in its early stages, it may be some time before more concrete details are revealed. Whether People Can Fly is leading development or providing support, its involvement ensures that the project is in capable hands.
For now, all eyes are on Sony and People Can Fly for further announcements. Until then, the mystery surrounding “Project Delta” continues to spark curiosity and speculation.
