Days Gone’s Former Director Defends Bend Studio After Sequel Cancellation
John Garvin, former director of Days Gone, speaks out in support of Bend Studio following the reported cancellation of a Days Gone sequel, addressing fan disappointment and industry pressures.
Former Days Gone director John Garvin has broken his silence following the widely reported cancellation of a planned sequel to the PlayStation-exclusive zombie action-adventure game. His statement comes in response to significant fan backlash and speculation regarding Bend Studio’s future and the reasons behind Sony’s decision. Garvin, while not directly confirming or denying the cancellation, offered a nuanced perspective, focusing on the challenges faced by developers in today’s demanding gaming landscape.
He acknowledged the disappointment among fans, emphasizing his understanding of their passion for the Days Gone universe and the characters they’ve come to cherish. He stated that while he was proud of the work the team accomplished with the original game, he also recognized that its commercial performance didn’t meet certain internal expectations. He subtly implied that this, coupled with the increasing pressure for studios to deliver blockbuster sales, could have contributed to the decision.
Garvin’s statement went beyond simple empathy. He defended Bend Studio, a team he worked closely with, highlighting their talent, dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity. He argued that the team’s creativity and passion should not be overshadowed by the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the sequel’s uncertain future. He further pointed out the complexities of game development, mentioning the considerable investment of time, resources, and creative energy that goes into crafting a high-quality gaming experience, implying that a project’s cancellation often isn’t a reflection of the team’s abilities but rather a reflection of broader strategic decisions.
He subtly criticized the current gaming industry climate, hinting at the pressure to generate large profits quickly and the reduced tolerance for creative risks. He indirectly suggested that the decision to potentially not pursue a sequel may be a result of a risk-averse business strategy, prioritizing more established and proven franchises over potentially high-reward, high-risk projects. He urged fans to maintain their support for Bend Studio, expressing confidence in the studio’s ability to adapt and succeed in the future, regardless of the Days Gone sequel’s fate.
Garvin concluded his statement by expressing his gratitude for the support he received during his time at Bend Studio and his hopes for the studio’s continued success. His words seemed designed to provide context to the situation and offer solace to disappointed fans, while simultaneously defending his former colleagues and advocating for a more supportive and understanding environment within the video game industry.
SarahConnor87
John Garvin’s statement is exactly what I needed to hear. It’s refreshing to see someone in the industry acknowledge the pressures and risks involved, instead of just offering empty platitudes. I’m still gutted about the sequel, but understanding the business side helps. Keep supporting Bend Studio!
GamingGuru64
While I appreciate Garvin’s perspective, this feels like a thinly veiled criticism of Sony’s business practices. He’s right about the industry pressures, but ultimately, the cancellation is a failure of the first game’s sales to meet expectations. It’s harsh, but that’s the reality.
PixelPusherPro
I’m incredibly disappointed by the lack of a Days Gone sequel, but Garvin’s defense of Bend Studio is commendable. His insight into the challenges of game development provides crucial context. Let’s hope Sony learns from this and takes more risks on talented studios like Bend.
RetroReggie
This whole situation is a tragedy. Days Gone deserved better. Garvin’s statement is well-meaning, but it doesn’t change the fact that a fantastic game and talented team were essentially discarded due to short-sighted corporate decisions. Shameful.
NostalgiaNerd
I’m torn. Garvin’s honesty is appreciated, but it doesn’t alleviate the pain of losing a potential sequel. The pressure to deliver blockbuster sales is a real issue in gaming, and it stifles creativity. I hope this encourages a shift toward supporting diverse and original titles.
SilentSpectre1
Garvin’s statement is a masterclass in damage control. He’s successfully defended Bend Studio while subtly criticizing Sony’s approach. Smart move, but it doesn’t change the disappointment of no Days Gone 2. I remain hopeful for Bend Studio’s future projects
LadyGamer22
I’m so sad about the sequel cancellation, but Garvin’s words bring a sliver of hope. Knowing the struggles developers face puts the decision into a different perspective. I’ll continue to support Bend Studio and hope they get a chance to create something amazing again.
TechTitan99
Garvin’s explanation is rational and empathetic, but it doesn’t excuse the lack of a sequel. The business model needs to change. Focusing solely on profit margins ignores the passionate fanbase and the creative potential of talented studios. Bend Studio deserves better.
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