PlayStation Axes Two Secret Live-Service Projects
Jan 16, 2025 11:26 PMSony 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.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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It looks like Sony is recalibrating its approach to live-service games, which could mean a fresh start for studios like Bend and Bluepoint. It's always a bummer when promising projects get canceled, but I’m curious to see how these talented teams pivot with new ideas moving forward
Looks like Sony is hitting the brakes on its live-service ambitions, which might signal a shift in priorities beyond just chasing trends. It’ll be interesting to see how Bend and Bluepoint pivot from here—given their talent, they could surprise us with something fresh and exciting
It’s definitely an interesting time for Sony as they pivot away from live-service games, especially with the talent at Bend and Bluepoint involved. This could lead to some fresh and exciting projects, but fans might feel a bit anxious about what this means for their favorite franchises moving forward