Shockwaves at Sony Bend: Layoffs Hit After Game Cancellation

Sony Bend, the studio behind the popular game Days Gone, has recently announced significant staff layoffs, impacting about 30 percent of its team, equating to roughly 40 employees. The layoffs come as the studio transitions to new projects following the cancellation of several live-service games, including one in development by Bend itself. In a heartfelt social media statement, the studio expressed gratitude for the contributions of the departing employees and reinforced its commitment to creativity and innovation in future titles. Notably, Bend had been working on a new multiplayer IP based on the open-world systems from Days Gone but faced setbacks that influenced these layoffs.

The layoffs at Sony Bend Studio are primarily due to the cancellation of several live-service projects, including one that was in development at the studio. This has led to a restructuring within the company as they focus on future titles.

Days Gone, an open-world action-adventure game released in 2019, gained attention for its engaging storyline and immersive environments. The game has been remastered for PC and PS5, featuring enhanced graphics and new gameplay modes, allowing players to experience its narrative and gameplay in a fresh light. The remaster has been well-received, affirming the lasting appeal of the franchise and the potential for future developments at Bend Studio.