PlayStation funded Deviation Games had been working on two projects for PC and PS5 prior to being shut down.
According to the LinkedIn profile of Maarten Kraaijvanger (via), former Director of Art Management at Deviation Games, the studio had been working on two projects for PC and PS5 before getting shut down.
In January, 2023, Kraaijvanger had assumed the role of Art Director and worked on game environments for a title called DRACONIS, delivering a complete vertical slice map within a time frame of 5 months. It was said to be a AAA project that was being developed in Unreal Engine 5 for PC and PS5. His resume states that he delivered visual direction across multiple facets, including environments, characters, UI, VFX, and concept art, and weapons. The latter suggests that the game was a shooter, likely played in first-person given the expertise of key members of the studio. As per the LinkedIn profile of Derek Sunshine, Design Director at Deviation Games, Project DRACONIS was set to feature both solo and co-op gameplay modes.
Further, in July, 2023, Kraaijvanger was promoted to Director of Art Management, responsible for managing and mentoring both the internal and external art departments. He then began work on a second project called PHOENIX. The game was said to be in development exclusively for PC. His resume offers no hints regarding the game engine or genre.
With the closure of Deviation Games, both of the above projects have now been canceled. Previously, a former employee had mentioned cost cutting as the likely reason behind the cancellation of DRACONIS.
The aforementioned former Deviation Games employee in question is Shaun E., who had worked at the studio for 2 years. Based on his Linkedin profile, DRACONIS’ budget appeared to have been “in excess of” $50 million. Its cancellation had likely resulted in an equivalent loss for Sony.
