The Last Guardian Trademark Listed As 'Dead'

There is no rumor or speculation if they'd simply answer why the status on the trademark changed, that's a pretty set in stone type of thing.

If they lost their trademark, does that mean someone else can pick it up and make it? *pretty please*

Sadly no. A similar situation exists with the rights to System Shock. It's complicated, but basically an insurance company owns the rights to the IP, EA owns the name. If the trademark has expired, you'd have to make the case and prove they'd totally abandoned it and then all you'd get is the ability to make a game called The Last Guardian; it could in no way be based on or in the setting of the actual game. To go ahead and make that you'd also need the copyright to the IP itself, which you're not getting on the cheap.

I hope they've got something hidden inside their asses they are waiting to reveal soon, if not, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU DOING THIS SONY?

If you file for a trademark, you have like 3-5 years to actually produce something for use with that trademark. Sony filed for the TM a few years ago because they figured that The Last Guardian would be out by now. It isn't, so they have nothing to slap the trademark on, so the trademark is considered abandoned. They can reapply for the TM. The Last Guardian will come out eventually. Everyone have a drink and relax.

Anyone want to give an over/under on whether it gets announced that it's been canned or just quietly vanishes? I have half a stale pop tart to put up for 'just quietly vanishes' and I'm looking to get 3/4 of a fresh toaster strudle.