Summary
Recent rumors are suggesting that an open-world game based onSpongeBob SquarePantsmay be in development, said to boast an exploreable Bikini Bottom and physics-based gameplay. The subnautical series following talking sponge SpongeBob and his aquatic friends has long been one of the most widely recognizable cartoon franchises in the world. SpongeBob has appeared in everything from his original series and films to beingfeatured in other popular media franchises likeMinecraft. Now, a bold new SpongeBob game may be on the horizon, according to recent rumors.
SinceSpongeBob SquarePantsfirst debuted on television in 1999, the franchise has featured in countless video game adaptations across multiple platforms. TheSpongeBobseries has seen 50 of its own focused video game releases, while SpongeBob and friends have also appeared in several of Nickelodeon’s crossover games. SpongeBob’s many video games have even seen some award-winning games in the mix, like 2003’s critically-acclaimedSpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom. However, a newSpongeBobgame looks to be bringing one of the titular sponge’s closest friends into the spotlight.
As reported by NintendoLife, a recent listing on European online marketplace Igabiba may have revealed the next game from the long-running cartoon franchise. The storefront briefly showed a listing forThe Patrick Star Game, said to be developed by Outright Games, which has since been removed. The game is described as putting players in the shoes of beloved supporting character Patrick Star, dropping fans intoan open-world Bikini Bottomwith free rein to explore and physics-based gameplay. The listing also hinted at the game’s release platforms, suggesting it will launch on Switch, PS5, and Xbox consoles.
Rumor: New SpongeBob Open-World Game in Development
The potential release of a new game following Patrick Star comes asSpongeBobgames have seen a resurgence throughout recent years. 2020 saw the launch ofSpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydratedas a remaster of the beloved early 2000s 3D platformer. Purple Lamp and THQ Nordic would also later head development of a brand-newSpongeBobgame,debutingSpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shakelast year. A release window was not confirmed as part of the erroneous online listing.
A newSpongeBobgame looks to build on the long-lasting legacy that the franchise surrounding the yellow sponge has established.SpongeBobhas been a mainstay of pop culturefor nearly 25 years since its release, continuing to produce new episodes of the series that started it all.SpongeBobhas also branched out significantly in recent years, receiving multiple spinoffs, likeKamp KoralandThe Patrick Star Show. The potential release of a new open-world game set in Bikini Bottom should serve to excite plenty of fans, with another chance to dive into the franchise’s undersea world.
