Ronin is a cancelled futuristic post-apocalyptic open world Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game developed by Sony Online Entertainment in the 2010’s for the PC, but also could have been developed for one of Sony’s video game console, whether the Playstation 3 or the Playstation 4.
Very few information can be found on Ronin at the moment. This project was made public on the personal website of Richie Romero, former Art Director at Sony Online Entertainment, who shared a couple of gameplay videos alongside some screenshots and concept arts. The title is simply described as:
A futuristic post apocalyptic world which I had the priviledge to work with a small core team to create the visual style, character designs and overall mood.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Richie Romero worked at Sony Online Entertainment from May 2009 until March 2015. He was also credited as an Associate Art Director on DC Universe Online, which was released in January 2011. Through this little information, we can make the assumption that Ronin began its development cycle not so long before or after the release of DC Universe Online. Romero is only credited on this project at Sony Online Entertainment, despite having work for the company during almost 6 years. He left the company during the time where it was sold to Columbus Nova, which, shortly after, carried out layoffs:
Last week, Sony and investment firm Columbus Nova announced that Sony Online Entertainment had been sold. The studio responsible for DC Universe Online, Everquest, Planetside, and the upcoming H1Z1, has been renamed. Now it seems, staffing changes are underway that reported see significant departure of talent.
Michele Cagle, Senior Director of global communications at Daybreak, confirmed the staffing changes in an email to us. “As part of a strategic decision to rationalize the business, Daybreak Game Company announced today that it will eliminate positions in both its San Diego and Austin studios,” she says. “This alignment of resources better positions the newly independent studio for future growth opportunities and developments, including delivering on its legacy of making top online games and establishing a solid foundation for future multi-platform success. These reductions will not affect the operation of current games and the company will continue on its mission to partner with its player community to drive the future and push the boundaries of online gaming.”
Richie Romero did not respond to a request for comment regarding futher information on the Ronin project. Therefore, we do not know if Ronin could have been released on some Playstation systems too, just like the previous games from Sony Online Entertainment as well as the following ones, when its development cycle started and ended, and what was the reason behind its cancellation.
If you know someone who worked on Ronin and could help us preserve more screenshots, footage or details, please let us know in this comment section!
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