Sucker Punch Job Listings Point to New Open-World Action Stealth Game in Development
Sucker Punch aims to hire new talent to tackle what looks like an open world game with elements of action and stealth.
In the studio Career page Feature list for various roles, including Technical combat When Advanced combat Not just designers Encounter designer.. It is that requirement that makes the list of combat designers stand out. In particular, the list of senior combat designers asks, “Are you happy to know the details of the attack, the timing of the parry and the count frame?” This is reminiscent of a sword battle.
In addition, the role requires applicants to have played previous soccer punch games, suggesting that they need to be familiar with studio games and understand the core mechanics. This may indicate that the studio’s next project is a follow-up rather than a new IP.
Meanwhile, one of the listed responsibilities Encounter designer “Providing interesting and diverse encounters in open world games with a special focus on close combat and stealth.” Whatever the next game in the studio seems to incorporate open world, melee and stealth mechanics.
Sucker Punch hasn’t announced anything yet, but Ghost of Tsushima has checked all three boxes, so it’s possible that a sequel is currently in production. If a potential combat designer needs to play the previous Sucker Punch title, playing Ghost of Tsushima will definitely help.
Another franchise that may meet the bill is SlyCooper. However, the game is a platformer with a light stealth element. The last entry was Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time in 2013, so perhaps Sucker Punch can revisit the series by introducing an open world with improved combat and stealing mechanics.
Of course, Sony is investing heavily in new IPs, so it’s always possible that Sucker Punch is also working on new IPs.
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter @ yinyangfooey
