PlayStation fans who grew up chasing monkeys with a gadget-filled net could finally have a reason to get excited. A new Ape Escape game is reportedly in development, potentially bringing back one of PlayStation’s most memorable classic franchises.
The latest reports have added an interesting twist. The team behind Sonic Mania and Penny’s Big Breakaway, known as Evening Star, is reportedly connected to the project.
That’s a pretty exciting possibility. Evening Star has experience making colourful platformers, and that style could fit Ape Escape surprisingly well.
However, there is one important detail: Sony has not officially announced a new Ape Escape game. The information comes from industry reporting, so the project should still be treated as a rumor.
A New Ape Escape Game Could Finally Be Happening
Ape Escape has been missing from the spotlight for years.
The original game launched on the first PlayStation in 1999 and became known for its colourful worlds, mischievous monkeys and creative use of the DualShock controller.
Instead of simply fighting enemies, players had to chase and capture monkeys using different gadgets. That simple idea helped the series stand out from other platformers of its time.
Now, fresh reports suggest that Sony could be looking at bringing the franchise back.
On October 7, 2026, VGC reported that a new Ape Escape revival was reportedly in development. The report followed comments from veteran games journalist Jeff Gerstmann, who said he had heard that the project was being handled by an external studio rather than Sony’s Team Asobi.
VGC said the information matched what it had heard from its own sources.
That makes the rumor more interesting than a random social media post, although it still does not count as an official PlayStation announcement.
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Evening Star Is Reportedly Working on the Game
The biggest new detail concerns the studio reportedly behind the project.
According to the latest reporting, Evening Star may be developing the new Ape Escape game.
The studio was founded by developers associated with Sonic Mania, the popular 2017 platformer that brought back the classic Sonic experience. Evening Star later released Penny’s Big Breakaway, a colourful 3D platformer built around movement, momentum and creative use of a yo-yo.
That background makes the reported connection interesting.
Ape Escape is also built around playful movement, unusual gadgets and colourful environments. A studio with experience in stylised platformers could be a good fit for the series.
Still, the developer’s involvement has not been officially confirmed by Sony or Evening Star.
Until either company announces the project, fans should treat the studio information as reporting rather than a confirmed fact.
Why Evening Star Could Be a Good Fit
Ape Escape is not a typical platforming franchise.
Its charm comes from the way players interact with the world. Catching monkeys requires more than running and jumping. Players must use gadgets, understand enemy behaviour and figure out how to reach tricky locations.
That creates plenty of room for creative level design.
Evening Star’s work on Penny’s Big Breakaway shows its experience with colourful 3D environments and movement-focused gameplay. Those skills could translate well into a modern Ape Escape experience.
Imagine exploring larger playgrounds, chasing monkeys across rooftops and using upgraded gadgets to reach hidden areas.
A new game could keep the original formula while introducing fresh mechanics for modern controllers.
Of course, these are possibilities, not confirmed features. No gameplay footage, official feature list or design details have been revealed for the rumored project.
What Could a Modern Ape Escape Game Look Like?
If the reports are accurate, Sony has an opportunity to bring the franchise back without losing what made it special.
A modern entry could feature larger levels, more detailed environments and smarter monkey behaviour. New gadgets could also make the familiar chase-and-capture gameplay feel fresh.
The series could benefit from improved controls, more varied missions and additional challenges for players who enjoy exploring every corner of a level.
But bigger does not always mean better.
One of Ape Escape’s strengths was its straightforward gameplay. Players could quickly understand the goal, experiment with their gadgets and enjoy the chaos of chasing monkeys.
The best approach would be to improve the presentation and controls while keeping that playful identity intact.
For longtime fans, seeing the original formula return with modern visuals could be enough to make the game exciting.
Sony Could Be Looking at More Classic Franchise Revivals
The Ape Escape rumor also fits into a wider discussion about Sony’s older franchises.
Industry reports have suggested that PlayStation may be exploring ways to bring back dormant series through external development teams.
That approach could allow Sony’s first-party studios to continue working on their current projects while experienced outside developers handle selected revivals.
However, Sony has not officially announced a wider lineup of new Ape Escape-style revivals as part of this specific report.
Fans should also avoid assuming that every classic PlayStation franchise is about to return.
For now, Ape Escape is the project attracting attention, and the available reports do not confirm a full revival plan with multiple games.
Could the New Ape Escape Be a PS5 Game?
This is another major question, but there is no confirmed answer yet.
Sony has not announced the platforms for the rumored game. There is also no official information about whether it would be exclusive to PlayStation or eventually arrive on PC.
A modern PlayStation release would make sense for the franchise, but that alone does not confirm a PS5 version.
The same goes for a potential release window.
Jeff Gerstmann reportedly suggested that the project was still in its early stages when he first heard about it. He did not expect it to be announced and released in the same year.
That means fans should not expect an immediate launch based on the current reports.
Until Sony shares an official announcement, the game’s platforms, release date and development timeline remain unknown.
When Could Sony Reveal the New Ape Escape?
There is currently no confirmed announcement date.
If the project is still in early development, Sony could wait until it has enough material to show the game properly.
That might mean a future PlayStation showcase, a State of Play presentation or a separate announcement. But these are only possible scenarios, not confirmed plans.
The important thing is that fans should not mistake speculation about a reveal for an actual event announcement.
For now, the strongest update is the reporting that a revival may be in development and that Evening Star could be involved.
More concrete details will be needed before anyone can make a reliable prediction about when the game will be shown.
Why Ape Escape Fans Have Reason to Be Excited
Even with all the uncertainty, this rumor is worth watching.
Ape Escape has a distinct identity that could stand out in today’s gaming market. Its focus on gadgets, exploration, colourful levels and playful enemy behaviour gives it a different feel from many modern action games.
A well-made revival could introduce the franchise to players who never experienced the original PlayStation games.
It could also give longtime fans the return they have wanted for years.
The reported involvement of a studio with platforming experience makes the possibility even more interesting.
But the final result will depend on the game’s design, quality and whether Sony actually moves forward with an official release.
Final Verdict
A new Ape Escape game is reportedly in development, and the latest reports point towards Evening Star, the studio associated with Sonic Mania and Penny’s Big Breakaway, as a possible developer.
VGC has reported that the information matches its own sources, adding weight to the rumor. However, Sony has not officially confirmed the game, its developer, platforms or release date.
For now, fans should stay excited but keep their expectations realistic.
If the project becomes official, it could bring back one of PlayStation’s most distinctive platforming franchises for a new generation.
Would you play a new Ape Escape game on PS5? And would you prefer a faithful remake or a completely new adventure? Let us know in the comments!
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