Sony quietly shelved a planned revival of its iconic Twisted Metal franchise last year, according to multiple reports. The project was in development at PlayStation-owned studio Firesprite and aimed to modernize the chaotic car-combat series as a competitive online experience.
However, the game fell victim to Sony’s restructuring, which saw mass layoffs and cancellations across its live-service gaming division.
Now, as recently noticed by VGC, a developer’s CV revealed that the canceled Twisted Metal game was supposedly a third person battle royale game, with explosive vehicle battles in a last-player-standing format, a departure from the series’ traditional arena-based matches.
Although Twisted Metal wasn’t explicitly named, all the provided details strongly hinted at it. The project, known as ‘Project Copper,’ was described as “a third-person vehicular action combat game.”
Additionally, the developer’s portfolio stated that the game was based on a classic PlayStation-owned IP and was being developed by Firespite. These details essentially confirm that the project in question was the canceled Twisted Metal game.
Blurred images from a developer’s portfolio hint at characters engaging in gunfights outside their vehicles, suggesting a fusion of mechanics akin to Fortnite or Apex Legends. The reboot was reportedly timed to align with Peacock’s Twisted Metal TV adaptation in 2023, but delays and strategic shifts led to its demise.
The Collapse Of The Canceled Twisted Metal Battle Royale
Firesprite, the studio behind Project Copper, has faced particular scrutiny. Founded by ex-members of Sony’s shuttered Studio Liverpool (known for Wipeout), Firesprite was acquired in 2021 to bolster PlayStation’s VR and experimental projects.
While its PS VR2 launch title Horizon Call of the Mountain earned praise, the studio’s shift to live-service development reportedly caused creative friction. Employees cited burnout and unclear mandates as factors in Project Copper’s collapse.
Sony’s Live-Service Struggles
The cancellation underscores Sony’s rocky transition into live-service gaming. In 2022, the company announced plans to launch 12 live-service titles by 2026, aiming to diversify beyond story-driven single-player hits like God of War and Spider-Man.
However, internal challenges—including technical hurdles and shifting market demands—forced Sony to scrap half these projects.
Among the casualties were The Last of Us: Factions, a multiplayer spin-off canceled after years of development, and Concord, a sci-fi shooter removed from sale just weeks after its August 2024 debut.
What’s Next for Twisted Metal?
Despite the setback, Sony retains interest in reviving Twisted Metal. The TV series, starring Anthony Mackie, garnered solid viewership, and PlayStation’s cloud gaming service could breathe new life into older entries.
However, fans hoping for a modern reboot may need to wait until Sony stabilizes its live-service ambitions—or abandons them entirely.
What do you think about a third-person battle royale Twisted Metal game? Did Sony make a mistake scrapping the project? Let us know in the comments section.
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3 Comments
Is taking pathetic decisions a new norm in the gaming industry or what? Every project that sounds even remotely interesting gets shelved.
I have no interest in online multiplayer. Playing against loud cheaters with screaming voices is nothing I ever intend to spend money on. Tried it didn’t like it. I only play single-player and occasionally local multiplayer or even online co-op with friends. But my days of public multiplayer are done. The fact that this was a big battle royale format versus the arena style game the series is famous for, means I wouldn’t have wanted it to begin with. Oh and the TV series? Was pretty lame.
Surely, the only online game I always play is R6 and I make sure the other 4 on my team are my friends and not randoms shouting in my ear. The online community has become so toxic it’s unbearable especially with open games like COD and stuff.