Sony Group Corp.’s PlayStation division announced on Thursday that it has cancelled two previously undisclosed live-service game projects at its subsidiaries, Bend Studio in Oregon and Bluepoint Games in Texas.
A PlayStation spokesperson confirmed that the games were designed as live-service projects to generate recurring revenue. However, following a recent review, the decision was made to cancel both projects. “PlayStation will continue to develop various game types, including online and single-player games,” the spokesperson stated.
Despite the cancellations, neither studio is planned to close. Bend and Bluepoint are highly accomplished teams that remain valued members of the PlayStation Studios family. We are actively collaborating with each studio to identify their next projects,” the spokesperson added.
PlayStation planned 12 live games, so far 8 have been canceled.
Games Sony could’ve made with that money and development time:
– Killzone
– Infamous 4
– Sly Cooper
– Days Gone 2
– Little Big Planet 4
– Resistance
– Bloodborne Remake
Live-service chase has ruined this… pic.twitter.com/pesBEl2IUS
— Synth Potato🥔 (@SynthPotato) January 16, 2025PlayStation’s Investment and Risks in Live-Service Games
Over recent years, PlayStation has significantly invested in live-service games, which often feature multiplayer elements and provide ongoing revenue through microtransactions. While these games offer substantial financial rewards when successful, they also carry considerable risk.
Sony’s strategy yielded mixed results; while Helldivers II emerged as a hit in 2024, other titles like Concord faced challenges, being pulled from sale shortly after release. Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Sony had previously cancelled other live-service projects, including one related to Spider-Man.
A live-service ‘GOD OF WAR’ game has just been cancelled by Sony.
(Source: https://t.co/NJRcO71FdK) pic.twitter.com/ElJfUP2WzP
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 17, 2025Sony has not indicated whether these latest project cancellations will result in job losses. According to a memo to staff reviewed by Bloomberg, Sony is committed to minimizing business impact as it plans future projects with Bend and Bluepoint. “We are working closely with the studios to ensure minimal business impact,” the memo stated.
Read: Sony Unveils PlayStation 5 Pro with Advanced Graphics and AI
The video game industry has faced significant challenges over the past two years, with many companies experiencing layoffs and slower growth due to unsuccessful ventures. Sony’s recent decisions reflect broader industry trends and the need for strategic adjustments in a rapidly evolving market.
