Recently surfaced images reveal Sony's canceled Twisted Metal revival, showing developer Firesprite's ambitious live-service take that combined the classic vehicular combat with battle royale elements.
A former Firesprite UI developer shared blurred screenshots labeled "Under NDA" in their online portfolio, all referencing Project Copper - believed to be the codename for this unannounced Twisted Metal reboot at the PlayStation-owned studio.
Though originating as a PSone car combat series with no new entries since PS3, the developer described Project Copper as a "third-person vehicular action combat game based on a classic PlayStation IP." Their description continued: "The game blended third-person shooter mechanics with vehicle combat in a last-player-standing format" (via MP1st).
Sony reportedly axed the project during February 2024's mass layoffs. While ungreenlit, development was underway at UK-based Firesprite prior to cancellation.
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Twisted Metal's cancellation aligns with Sony's recent live-service pullback. After initially pushing heavily into the space, December 2023 saw Naughty Dog cancel The Last of Us Online to focus on single-player experiences.
While Helldivers 2 became PlayStation's fastest-selling title (12 million in 12 weeks), Sony's Concord service shooter failed spectacularly - shutting within weeks amid dismal player counts. Two other unannounced live-service projects (including a God of War title at Bluepoint) were canceled in January.
Though the game revival appears shelved, fans can look forward to Season 2 of Peacock's Twisted Metal series starring Anthony Mackie. IGN's 8/10 review praised Season 1 as "a miraculously enjoyable blend of comedy, violence, and thoughtfulness."
