Over the last few years, it feels like it’s been a good time to be a medium sized independent developer. Whether it’s Microsoft, THQ Nordic or others, studios of that medium size have been bought out willy nilly. We’ve seen Obsidian Entertainment, 4A Games, Perfect World Entertainment and more come under the wings of larger companies, no longer having to wonder if their next publisher contract will be their last. Now, after purchasing Insomniac Games last year, Sony Interactive Entertainment have confirmed that they will will be continuing to acquire and invest in studios.

It makes complete sense that PlayStation would continue this investment run, with third party studios beginning to drop in numbers as Microsoft picks up previously Multiplatform developers. As your competition grows, you also want to grow, lest you be left behind. The PlayStation advantage has long been in the strength of PlayStation studios, and so they won’t want to lose that advantage as Microsoft expands. This is also likely coupled with Insomniac releasing two PlayStation 5 exclusives in the launch window of the console in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

So who are we likely to see bought out? PlayStation has a history of acquiring studios that they have worked closely with in the past, such as Insomniac, Sucker Punch and Naughty Dog. That helps narrow the field a bit. We would think that studios like Housemarque and Blue Point would be the most likely candidates, especially if their upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusives Returnal and Demon’s Souls are well received.

Either way, with PlayStation focused on launching the PlayStation 5, were unlikely to hear anything in the near future, but keep an eye on Rocket Chainsaw for any news as it appears.