In a surprising turn of events, Bend Studio, the creative force behind the popular title Days Gone, has reassured fans that it intends to forge ahead with innovative projects following Sony's abrupt cancellation of two anticipated live-service games.

This decision comes in the wake of a broader strategic shift at Sony, which has seen many high-profile projects dropped since the departure of former PlayStation head Jim Ryan.

According to reports, both Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games were caught off guard by the cancellations, learning about the decision simultaneously with the public.

The specifics of Bend Studio's canceled project remain under wraps, but it was previously indicated that their new intellectual property aimed to enhance and expand upon the open-world mechanics of Days Gone, potentially including multiplayer features.

It leaves fans speculating whether this ambitious vision is now permanently shelved.

Kevin McAllister, the community manager for Bend, took to social media to share a heartfelt message of gratitude to fans, stating, "Thanks for the love and support everyone, especially to those that have reached out. P.S. We still plan on creating cool shit."

His words echo the studio's commitment to continue innovating in gaming, despite facing unforeseen hurdles.

This isn't the first time Sony's live-service strategy has come under scrutiny.

The company had initially pledged significant investments into multiplayer and service-oriented gaming experiences back in 2022, but following a series of cancellations—including a highly anticipated co-op Spider-Man title, a Last of Us multiplayer experience, and a Twisted Metal reboot—experts are speculating about the future direction of the company.

A recent update from journalist Jeff Grubb revealed that both studios were in a state of uncertainty.

He stated that employees would return to work without a clear plan moving forward, having to reassess and pitch new ideas that resonate with Sony's evolving vision.

"A couple of years ago, you'd pitch a live service game, and now you have to rethink what PlayStation wants to hear, which leaves a lot of room for confusion," Grubb noted.

In the aftermath of these cancellations, Sony has confirmed that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint will face closures.

The company expressed confidence in the talents of both teams, emphasizing that they will collaborate closely to define future projects.

As the gaming community watches closely, the resilience and creativity of Bend Studio will undoubtedly be put to the test.

With their determination to "create cool shit," there’s no telling what unique experiences they might deliver next, despite the unsettling shakeup.

Stay tuned, as the world of gaming is always ready for an unexpected twist!