Sony Cancels Two Unannounced Games from Bluepoint and Bend Studios
Industry sources reveal Sony has cancelled two ambitious games-as-a-service (GAAS) titles in development at Bluepoint Games and Bend Studio, shifting the studios’ focus to other projects. The cancellations highlight Sony’s evolving strategy towards live-service games.
In a surprising turn of events, reputable industry insiders have reported that Sony Interactive Entertainment has cancelled two unannounced games-as-a-service (GAAS) titles, one each from renowned studios Bluepoint Games and Bend Studio. While details remain scarce, sources suggest both projects were in relatively advanced stages of development, signaling a significant shift in Sony’s approach to the live-service market.
The cancellation of these projects raises several key questions about Sony’s overall gaming strategy. The company has increasingly ventured into the GAAS arena in recent years, with varying degrees of success. The decision to halt development on these two high-profile titles suggests that Sony may be reevaluating its commitment to this model, potentially prioritizing single-player experiences or focusing on live-service games with a proven track record.
For Bluepoint Games, known for its spectacular remakes of classic titles like Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus, the news is particularly unexpected. The studio’s expertise lies in delivering high-fidelity, single-player experiences. The cancelled GAAS title speculated to be a new IP, likely represented a significant departure from their established strengths, and the cancellation points to a potential return to their core competency. The impact of this cancellation on the studio’s morale and future projects is likely to be a point of interest for gaming fans.
Bend Studio, the creators of the Days Gone franchise, also had a GAAS title in development. The nature of this project, described by insiders as an ambitious open-world game, remains shrouded in mystery. The cancellation could be attributed to several factors, including development challenges, shifting market demands, or a strategic realignment within Sony. Given the popularity and critical reception of Days Gone, this cancellation will undoubtedly raise questions about the studio’s future and its ability to secure new projects within Sony.
The financial implications of this double cancellation are significant. Years of development time and considerable resources have been invested in both projects. While Sony hasn’t issued an official statement, the news reflects a calculated risk, highlighting the inherent challenges and uncertainties associated with the GAAS model. It remains to be seen how Sony will handle the transition and which future projects these studios will now embark upon.
Overall, this unexpected news highlights the volatile nature of the gaming industry and the continuous evolution of strategic decisions by major publishers. The industry will be closely observing Sony’s next moves to understand the company’s long-term plans for live-service games and its commitment to its internal studios.
MarkHammer
This is a HUGE blow to both Bluepoint and Bend. Bluepoint especially, their strengths are clearly in single-player experiences, not the grind of GAAS. I hope this means they’ll get back to making amazing remakes or a new single-player IP.
Seriously, Sony needs to be more decisive about their strategy. This wasted resources and talent.
GamingGalore
I’m cautiously optimistic. Maybe this means Sony is learning from their mistakes and focusing on what they do best: making incredible single-player games. GAAS is a tough market to crack, and maybe this is a smart move in the long run.
RetroReverb
Absolutely gutted for Bend Studio. Days Gone deserved better. This cancellation makes me question Sony’s commitment to innovative, story-driven games. What a waste of potential.
PixelPusher88
I’m not surprised. The GAAS market is brutal. Sony should stick to what they’re good at – high-quality, single player titles. Let other companies handle the live-service model. This was a necessary evil.
ConsoleCowboy
This smells of mismanagement. Investing years into these projects only to cancel them suggests a lack of planning and foresight from Sony. Where’s the accountability?
DarkLordGamer
I’m worried about the morale at those studios. Cancelling projects like this is incredibly demoralizing. I hope Sony has a solid plan in place to support the teams affected.
SilverScreenGamer
Sony’s strategy is a mess. They’re trying to be everything to everyone, and they’re failing. Focus on making amazing games, not chasing trends. This is a wake-up call.
GameGuru123
While sad to see the projects cancelled, it’s probably a good decision financially and strategically. GAAS is risky and it might be better for these studios to focus on their respective strengths. This could mean a Demon’s Souls 2 or a Days Gone 2!
LadyLexi
The financial implications here are staggering. Years of work, down the drain. Sony needs to be more transparent about their decision-making process. This whole thing is a mess.
MasterChieftain
This is a bold move by Sony, and shows they are willing to cut their losses. While disappointing for fans, it could lead to even better games in the future. Hopefully the studios can move onto something even more impressive.
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