Sony Interactive Entertainment has recently made the tough decision to cancel two live-service games that were still under development at Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. This news has come to light through a report by Bloomberg, raising questions about the company’s future in the live-service gaming space.
The Canceled Projects
Bend Studio, renowned for its work on the action-adventure title Days Gone, had been developing one of the canceled live-service games. The second project was in the capable hands of Bluepoint Games, a studio famous for its remakes and remasters, including critically acclaimed titles like Shadow of the Colossus and the Demon’s Souls remake. According to industry insider Jason Schreier, the Bluepoint project was speculated to be a live-service installment set in the God of War universe.
Reassurance from Sony
In a statement to Bloomberg, a spokesperson for Sony confirmed the cancellations but reassured fans that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games would be shuttered. Instead, Sony plans to collaborate with both studios to determine their next steps moving forward. This indicates a commitment to foster the creative talents within these teams despite the setbacks.
Impact on Sony’s Live-Service Strategy
This development marks another setback for Sony’s broader ambitions within the live-service gaming market. The company had previously acquired Bungie, the studio behind the popular Destiny 2, and aimed to launch 12 live-service titles by the end of the 2025 fiscal year. However, those aspirations have since been scaled back to just six live-service games, with the projects from Bend and Bluepoint likely being among those that have been shelved.
In addition to these cancellations, Sony has faced other challenges within its gaming divisions. The company recently closed Firewalk Studio and has seen layoffs at Bungie, along with the cancellation of several other online projects. Notable examples include Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us multiplayer game, a rumored Spider-Man online game, a live-service version of Twisted Metal, and a third-person Destiny spinoff known as Payback.
Current Live-Service Developments
At present, the only active projects within Sony’s live-service portfolio are Bungie’s Marathon and Haven Studios’ PvP project. Additionally, Sony continues to support Helldivers 2, which it is publishing. There are also ongoing rumors regarding two upcoming online Horizon games—one expected to be a co-op experience and another anticipated to be an MMO.
The Future of Sony’s Live-Service Games
With these cancellations and the reduction in the number of planned live-service titles, it appears that Sony is reevaluating its approach to online gaming. Whether this means a pivot toward backing projects with a higher chance of success or a complete withdrawal from the live-service model is still uncertain. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Sony to see how it navigates these changes and what new projects will emerge from its talented studios.
