A new Sony studio called Pixel Opus will reveal its first project at E3 next month, according to The New York Times. The studio's employees are largely composed of Carnegie Mellon graduates who worked with Sony Computer Entertainment America executive producer Alex Lee as part of their coursework.
Students at the class produced prototype games for PlayStation Vita, some of whom went on to work as interns at Sony and get hired. Lee said that formal game design programs at established universities like Carnegie Mellon are increasingly relevant.
"Historically, I've always been aware of these programs," Lee said. "It's only in recent years that they've become meaningful."
We've asked Sony for more information about the new studio and will update this article with any response.
Sony announced the time and date for its annual E3 press conferenceearlier this month.
It will be streamed live to theatres across North America, where in-person attendees will receive some "surprise gifts".
Highlights of Sony's E3 2013 press conference included the PS4hardware reveal, the announcement of the console's launch price, and the gameplay premiere of Bungie's Destiny.
Sony's event will follow Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft press conferences earlier that day.