Sanzaru Games, acquired by Meta in February 2020 and later closed in January 2026, had previously developed a pitch for a remastered version of the classic PlayStation game Jak and Daxter for Sony. A former developer has now shared details of what the opening cutscene for this potential remaster would have looked like, based on early work on the project.
This isn’t the first time a revamped version of Jak and Daxter has been considered. Reports suggest that before it was shut down, Bluepoint Games even pitched ideas for remakes of Bloodborne and Jak and Daxter, along with other projects, while also working on a canceled online God of War game. While these reports aren’t confirmed, they show how eager fans are for a modern update to the Jak and Daxter series.
Daxter Becomes Daxter in this Jak and Daxter Remaster Pitch
Sanzaru Games understood the potential of a Jak and Daxter remaster when they presented the idea to Sony in 2019. Sanzaru has a history with Sony, having previously worked on projects like a version of Secret Agent Clank, remasters of the original Sly Cooper games, and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. According to Travis Howe, a former senior animator at Sanzaru, the studio created a pitch for a Jak and Daxter remaster, including an animated opening cutscene showing Daxter’s transformation into the beloved otter-weasel hybrid. However, Howe emphasizes that Sony never officially requested or commissioned this project; it was simply a presentation of an idea.
Who’s That Character? 
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
As a huge Jak and Daxter fan – I even planned a tattoo dedicated to the series featuring Jak and Daxter through all the games! – I was really excited when I saw a pitch for a remaster. Sadly, it didn’t end up happening, and the person who worked on it hasn’t said why. Looking at the pitch materials, it seemed promising overall. Jak himself looked a little…off, though. Bridging the gap between the PS2 graphics and a modern look was tricky, and his eyes didn’t quite translate well. But I figured that could have been fixed during development. Daxter, on the other hand, looked absolutely perfect!
The most impressive aspect of the footage is how well it balances a nostalgic feel with updated visuals. It’s a tricky combination, even for established PlayStation characters. While the lighting, environments, and character movements look modern, the overall presentation closely follows the original game. Sanzaru Games, known for their work on Sly Cooper, clearly understands what fans expect from a remastered version of Jak and Daxter, and this opening scene demonstrates that understanding.
Why Has Sony Not Greenlit Any New Jak and Daxter Games/Remasters?
It’s unclear why Sony hasn’t approved a new Jak and Daxter game proposal. While updating a PlayStation 2-era platformer for today’s gamers is challenging, especially attracting new players, Sony has successfully revived other older franchises. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy and its sequels haven’t received the same attention as other retro revivals, despite their popularity. These pitches demonstrate continued developer and fan interest in the series.
It looks like Sony isn’t planning a remaster or remake of Jak and Daxter right now, and it’s unclear if they ever will. Based on current trends, it seems unlikely, though anything is possible.
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2026-03-26 11:04