Sony announced today that they will be publishing indie games on both the PC and Switch, under a new studio called Unties. The label will be operated by Sony Music Entertainment, named for its core mission to “unleash the excellent talents of unique game creators all over the world.” It’s basically Sub Pop for the gaming world—a proving ground for artists with uncommon ideas to create “free from the various shackles of game publishing,” according to their announcement via Gematsu. The reveal also included info on the studio’s first four titles, and it’s a wild lineup. Sony looks like they’re ready to make a statement with Unties.
The headlining title is Tiny Metal by developer Area35, a “Tactics Simulation” game of the same DNA as Advance Wars or Valkyria Chronicles. It sports a unique visual style, somewhere between Metal Slug and Plants vs. Zombies, and looks like it has a lot of personality. The action really pops, and the trailer promises such features as being able to “control your destiny” and “learn the truth about the war.” The game will release on the PS4, PC, and Switch, where it will join another recent entry in the turn-based tactics genre, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle.
The other titles are where things get interesting. There’s Last Standard, a 3D action title by I From Japan that appears to be a one-on-one street brawler. Though apparently a single-player experience, it does mention “online battle support also planned.”
There’s also Merkava Avalanche by WinterCrownWorks, a “Survival Robot Action” game that I can only describe as Gundam centaurs on wheels.
Rounding out the lineup is Deemo Reborn, a PS4 VR remaster of the 2013 rhythm action game and gothic indie gem Deemo.
There’s a ton of variety on display, and it seems like Unties is ready to prove its commitment to new and exciting ideas in gaming. While Tiny Metal is confirmed to hit the PS4, Switch, and PC, so far Last Standard and Merkava Avalanche are only listed for “PC/TBA.” However, considering the studio’s mission to “spread information about excellent games and sell titles for multiple platforms,” it’s likely that the Switch—and potentially Xbox One—will get plenty of love.