Sony has canceled two unannounced live-service games from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. Bend Studio, recognized for the zombie adventure Days Gone, was working on a project alongside Bluepoint, known for their exceptional remasters like Shadow of the Colossus and the Demon’s Souls remake. Reports indicate the canceled Bluepoint title was a live-service game set in the God of War universe. Despite these cancellations, both studios will continue operating, as Sony aims to reassess their future projects amidst a broader strategy shift away from live-service initiatives.

What does the cancellation of these games mean for Sony's future live-service strategy?

The cancellation indicates that Sony is reevaluating its ambition for live-service games, having previously aimed for a total of 12 titles by 2025. This revision shows a significant downsizing in their live-service plans, adding uncertainty to their strategy in this domain. While they will still pursue some online projects, the recent shake-up reflects internal challenges and market considerations.

Days Gone, released in 2019, received mixed reviews but gained a passionate fanbase for its engaging story and open-world design. Following its release, a sequel was often speculated, though with these cancellations, Bend Studio's direction may now shift towards new or different projects. Bluepoint Games, known for their high-quality remakes, has also garnered attention regarding what their next endeavor will be after such a notable cancellation.