Bend Studio's Commitment to Fans

Days Gone developer Bend Studio has reassured fans that it is committed to “creating cool sh*t” despite Sony's recent decision to cancel its unannounced live-service game. This announcement has left fans buzzing, especially as it appears that Bend and fellow studio Bluepoint only learned of the cancellation simultaneously with the public announcement.

Sony's Cancellation of Live-Service Projects

Timely news from Bloomberg revealed that Sony had axed two more first-party live-service projects in development at Bend and Bluepoint studios. This follows their previous promise to invest significantly in live-service titles under the guidance of former PlayStation head Jim Ryan. Ironically, since Ryan's departure last year, Sony has pulled the plug on several promising projects, including a cooperative Spider-Man game from Insomniac, a multiplayer adaptation of The Last of Us by Naughty Dog, and a Twisted Metal restart at Firesprite.

Details on Bend's Canceled Project

While Bluepoint appeared to be working on a live-service title set in the God of War universe, little is known about the specifics of Bend's canceled project, which was rumored to involve a new IP incorporating multiplayer elements and enhancing the open-world mechanics honed in Days Gone. Fans are left wondering if this was the idea that ultimately got shelved.

Community Manager's Message

In a heartfelt message to the community, Bend community manager Kevin McAllister expressed gratitude for the ongoing fan support and added, “We still plan on creating cool sh*t.” This statement reflects the studio's resilience in the face of setbacks.

Industry Insights and Future Steps

As uncertainty looms over both Bend and Bluepoint, industry insider Jeff Grubb provided insights on his Game Mess Mornings show, explaining that the studios were taken aback by the cancellations and are now faced with the challenge of defining their next steps. "They’ll have to go back to the drawing board and produce a pitch that aligns with what PlayStation desires, but the criteria for that have changed significantly," Grubb stated.

Sony's Assurance to Fans

In response to the studio closures concerns raised by fans, Sony has assured that neither Bend nor Bluepoint will shut down and promised that their talented teams will be collaborating closely with leadership to determine future projects.

Looking Ahead

As the gaming community watches closely, one thing is clear—Bend Studio is determined to rise from the ashes and continue delivering unique gaming experiences. What exciting projects might they have up their sleeves next? Only time will tell!