Sony’s recent game cancellations have raised eyebrows, particularly as they involve beloved franchises like God of War.
Sony’s Live-Service Plans Under Scrutiny
The gaming community is buzzing with questions regarding Sony’s latest moves in the live-service arena. Following a recent report by Bloomberg, Sony confirmed the cancellation of two projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. This decision is part of a broader reassessment of the company’s multiplayer strategy, which has seen significant shake-ups in recent months. The news has left fans wondering about the future of their favorite franchises and the direction Sony is taking.
Recent Cancellations and Their Implications
The cancellations were confirmed after an internal review, with a Sony spokesperson emphasizing the value of Bend and Bluepoint as members of the PlayStation Studios family. While both studios will remain operational, layoffs could be on the horizon. The projects canceled included a live-service spin-off of the critically acclaimed God of War series, which had sparked considerable excitement among fans.
The Cancelled Projects
Bend Studio, renowned for its open-world title Days Gone, was reportedly working on a multiplayer shooter with military themes. Meanwhile, Bluepoint, acclaimed for its PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls, had been developing the live-service God of War project. Although neither project was officially announced, leaks hinted at their potential, making their cancellation all the more disappointing for fans.
The Broader Context of Live-Service Games
This is not the first time a high-profile live-service project has been scrapped by Sony. In 2023, the company also canceled a much-anticipated multiplayer game titled Last of Us Online. Naughty Dog justified this decision by stating they didn’t want to become overly fixated on maintaining a live-service game, echoing concerns surrounding other studios like Bungie.
Shifting Focus on Multiplayer Strategies
Former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan previously promised 12 live-service games by 2025, but more than half of those projects have reportedly been canceled or delayed. The recent failures, including the over-$200 million flop of Concord, indicate a significant reevaluation of Sony’s multiplayer approach. Despite the setbacks, Helldivers 2 emerged as one of last year’s unexpected success stories, showcasing that there is still potential for live-service titles.
What Lies Ahead for Sony’s Multiplayer Portfolio
Currently, the only remaining projects of note are multiplayer spin-offs of the sci-fi action series Horizon Zero Dawn. A Monster Hunter-style multiplayer game and a possible MMO are believed to be in development, potentially set for release within the next few years. Fans are eager to see how these projects will unfold and whether they can deliver on the promise of engaging multiplayer experiences.
Conclusion
The cancellation of two significant projects from Sony has left many in the gaming community pondering the future of their beloved franchises. As the company navigates through a turbulent period in its live-service plans, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact future developments. With a focus on quality and a return to strong single-player narratives alongside carefully curated multiplayer experiences, Sony may just find a path that satisfies both gamers and investors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What games were canceled by Sony?
Sony canceled two projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, including a live-service spin-off of God of War.
2. Why did Sony cancel these projects?
The cancellations were part of a broader internal review of Sony’s multiplayer strategy, which has seen several setbacks.
3. What is Bend Studio known for?
Bend Studio is best known for its open-world zombie shooter, Days Gone.
4. What is Bluepoint Games’ most notable work?
Bluepoint Games is renowned for its critically acclaimed PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls.
5. Has Sony canceled any other live-service games?
Yes, in 2023, Sony also canceled a highly anticipated multiplayer game based on The Last of Us.
6. What are the future plans for Sony’s multiplayer gaming?
Sony still has several multiplayer projects in development, including spin-offs of the Horizon Zero Dawn series.
7. What was the cost of the canceled Concord project?
The canceled Concord project reportedly cost over $200 million.
8. Who is currently leading Sony’s first-party portfolio?
Hermen Hulst, the former head of the studio behind Horizon Zero Dawn, is currently leading Sony’s first-party portfolio.
9. Are there any successful live-service games from Sony?
Helldivers 2 was one of last year’s major success stories in Sony’s live-service attempts.
10. How many live-service games did Jim Ryan promise?
Jim Ryan promised 12 live-service games by 2025, but many have been canceled since then.