Rogue Sun: From Unreleased Peter Pan Game to 'Tin Hearts'
Last Updated: October 31, 2025
In late 2019, the gaming world turned its attention to a promising new UK studio founded by Tom Stone, the former managing director of TT Games, the celebrated developer behind the blockbuster LEGO series. The studio’s ambitious debut project was to be a video game based on the timeless story of Peter Pan, developed in a landmark collaboration with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
While that journey to Neverland has yet to materialize, the studio, now known as Rogue Sun, has since made its mark with a different, critically-acclaimed title: the puzzle-adventure game *Tin Hearts*.
A New Journey to Neverland: The Original Vision
The industry took notice when Rogue Sun was announced. Helmed by industry veterans Tom Stone, Kostas Zarifis, and Jax Brandon—all with extensive experience at LEGO-powerhouse TT Games—the studio's mission was clear: to create high-quality, immersive experiences. Their first announced project was an officially licensed game based on J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, a venture that promised to trade LEGO bricks for fairy dust.
The announcement was accompanied by a piece of concept art titled "Crocodile Lair," showcasing a moody, atmospheric cavern illuminated by ethereal light, hinting at a rich and detailed world. This project represented a departure from the established LEGO formula, giving the new team a chance to build a unique identity for one of the world's most cherished fictional characters. The pedigree of its founders, who oversaw a golden era at TT Games with titles like *LEGO Star Wars* and *LEGO Batman*, set a high bar for a polished, all-ages adventure.
A Historic Partnership for a Charitable Quest
The most significant aspect of the original announcement was the collaboration with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity). This partnership is deeply rooted in history. In 1929, Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie gifted all the rights to his masterpiece to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, a leading children's hospital in London. This incredible act of philanthropy has provided a vital source of income for the hospital for nearly a century.
By working directly with the GOSH Charity, Rogue Sun was not only developing a game but also honoring Barrie's enduring legacy. The collaboration was set to ensure an authentic and respectful adaptation, connecting the game directly to the spirit of generosity that defines the Peter Pan story itself. However, as development progressed, the studio's public focus shifted. The Peter Pan project has since gone quiet, with no official updates on its status, leaving its fate a mystery.
From Fairy Dust to Clockwork: The Debut of 'Tin Hearts'
Instead of taking players to Neverland, Rogue Sun's debut project became *Tin Hearts*, a narrative puzzle game released in 2023 to positive reviews. Set in an alternate-timeline Victorian world, the game tells the emotional, multi-generational story of a genius toy inventor named Albert Butterworth.
Players guide a troop of tin soldiers through intricate, toy-filled environments, manipulating objects and bending time to solve increasingly complex puzzles. Praised for its heartfelt storytelling, charming visuals, and clever, Lemmings-like mechanics, *Tin Hearts* established Rogue Sun's ability to craft poignant and engaging experiences outside of a major licensed franchise. While a world away from sword fights with Captain Hook, the game demonstrated the team's talent for building atmospheric worlds and weaving touching narratives—qualities that were central to the appeal of the original Peter Pan concept.
The Legacy and Future of Rogue Sun
The journey of Rogue Sun is a fascinating look into the realities of game development. The studio was born from a legacy of massive, licensed hits and announced its arrival with an ambitious plan for a globally recognized IP, tied to a noble cause. While the dream of flying over London with Peter Pan has been put on hold, the team delivered a polished, original, and emotionally resonant game in *Tin Hearts*.
With a proven leader at the helm and a successful debut title under its belt, Rogue Sun remains one of the UK's most intriguing development studios. The industry still wonders if the team will ever revisit the "Crocodile Lair" and bring their vision of Neverland to life. For now, they have proven that even without a sprinkle of fairy dust, they can still create magic.