Sony Cancels Unannounced Games at Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games
Sony Group Corp.’s PlayStation has canceled two previously unannounced games. These games were at two of its top subsidiaries, Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. The company announced this on Thursday.
Both games were “live service” projects, designed to generate ongoing revenue through microtransactions and other in-game purchases.
A company spokesperson confirmed the cancellations, stating that the decision followed a recent internal review. The spokesperson emphasized that PlayStation remains committed to developing both online and single-player games.
Neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games will be closed. “Bend and Bluepoint are highly accomplished teams. They are valued members of the PlayStation Studios family. We are working closely with each studio to determine what the next projects are,” the spokesperson said.
Challenges of Live-Service Games
In recent years, PlayStation has invested heavily in live-service games, a strategy that has yielded mixed results. Successful titles like 2024’s “Helldivers II” can generate substantial revenue. However, many others have fallen short of expectations. This includes “Concord,” which was removed from sale shortly after its release.
Several other live-service games have been canceled by Sony in recent years. This includes one based on Spider-Man. Bloomberg reported these cancellations.
Industry-Wide Challenges
The past two years have been challenging for the video game industry as a whole. Numerous companies have experienced layoffs and project cancellations due to economic headwinds and slower growth.
Impact on Staff
Sony stated in a memo to staff that it is “working closely with Bend and Bluepoint.” They are determining what the next projects are. They plan to do everything they can to ensure there is minimal business impact. However, the potential for job cuts remains uncertain.
This news underscores the inherent risks associated with live-service game development and the evolving landscape of the video game industry.
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