Days Gone Developer Bend Studio Plans to Continue Creating Exciting Content
Days Gone developer Bend Studio remains committed to creating innovative projects despite Sony’s recent decision to cancel its undisclosed live-service game. The studio, along with Bluepoint, was reportedly blindsided by the news, learning about the cancellations simultaneously with the public.
Sony’s Live-Service Game Cancellations
Last week, Bloomberg revealed that Sony had axed two first-party live-service titles being developed by Bend and Bluepoint studios. This decision came after Sony’s initial announcement to invest significantly in live service titles earlier in 2022 under the leadership of then-PlayStation boss Jim Ryan. However, several live service games, including a co-op Spider-man, The Last of Us multiplayer game, and a Twisted Metal project, were canceled following Ryan’s departure.
Details of the Cancellations
According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Bluepoint was working on a live-service God of War game, while Bend’s project details remain undisclosed. Previously, Bend had announced a new IP incorporating multiplayer elements and building upon the open-world systems of Days Gone. It is unclear if this canceled project aligns with their previous announcement.
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Bend Studio’s Response
Bend Studio has broken its silence, expressing gratitude to fans for their support and assuring them that they are not giving up. Kevin McAllister, Bend’s community manager, shared a message on social media stating, “Thanks for the love and support everyone, especially to those that have reached out. P.S. We still plan on creating cool shit.”
Next Steps for Bluepoint and Bend
The future for Bluepoint and Bend remains uncertain. Journalist Jeff Grubb highlighted in his Game Mess Mornings video show that both studios were caught off guard by the news and will likely need to pitch new ideas to Sony. The landscape has drastically changed, and the teams must adapt to the new circumstances.
“A couple of years ago,” Grubb explained, “you’d bring to PlayStation your pitch, that is: ‘It’s a live service game, we know you want to hear that’… And now they have to go back to the drawing board, and come up with a pitch that PlayStation wants to hear, when no one really knows what they want to hear, and so it’s a rough situation.”
Sony’s Assurance
Following the cancellations, Sony assured Bloomberg that neither Bend nor Bluepoint studios would be shut down. The teams, described as “highly accomplished,” will collaborate closely with Sony to determine their next projects.
Shift Away from Live Service Titles
Sony’s decision to move away from live service titles follows the failure of Concord in the previous year, which was removed from sale due to low player numbers. Reports from 2023 indicated discomfort within the company regarding the heavy focus on live service games during Jim Ryan’s tenure as PlayStation boss.
FAQs
Q: What was Sony’s recent decision regarding live-service games?
A: Sony canceled two first-party live-service titles being developed by Bend and Bluepoint studios.
Q: How did Bend Studio react to the cancellation news?
A: Bend Studio expressed gratitude to fans for their support and reassured them that they are still dedicated to creating innovative content.
Q: What is the future for Bend and Bluepoint studios?
A: The future remains uncertain, with both studios needing to pitch new ideas to Sony amidst the changing landscape of game development.
Credit: www.eurogamer.net
