Overview
- John Garvin, director of Days Gone, expresses his support for Bend Studio following the cancellation of their live-service game.
- Garvin contends that the Bend Studio developers had “no choice”in the matter, referencing PlayStation’s decision.
- As Bend Studio navigates its next move, there are indications they may shift back to single-player projects.
The cancellation of Bend Studio’s live-service game has sparked a wave of empathy, particularly from John Garvin, the former director of Days Gone. Although Garvin left the studio in 2020 amidst reports of strife regarding a potential sequel, he still holds a deep concern for the team’s wellbeing and future endeavors.
Recently, it was announced that PlayStation pulled the plug on two upcoming live-service titles, including projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. The cancellation of Bend Studio’s game, particularly given the studio’s last major release was Days Gone in 2019, resonated strongly with fans. Following the release, internal conflicts regarding a sequel led to the exits of key figures, including Garvin and Jeff Ross, and the studio’s pivot towards a new intellectual property.
While specifics about the canceled project remained scarce, it was known to be built upon the open-world framework of Days Gone and included anticipated multiplayer features. Speculative reports as of December 2024 hinted at a military-oriented shooter, but these aspirations have now been shelved. Garvin took to Twitter, emphasizing that “this is a time for empathy”for the affected developers, irrespective of one’s stance on PlayStation’s strategy or the live-service game model.
(Source)
Garvin: Bend Studio Developers Had “No Choice”in Game Cancellation
True … doesn’t make it suck less for the devs who have no choice — John Garvin (@John_Garvin) January 17, 2025
Currently, PlayStation is collaborating with Bend Studio to chart a course for their next project. Given the challenges faced by the company’s live-service model in recent years, it’s plausible that Bend Studio could return to its roots with a focus on single-player gaming. There’s even chatter about a potential sequel to Days Gone, a concept that has piqued interest among fans. However, the lengthy production time typical of AAA games suggests that it may be a considerable wait before any new announcements emerge—potentially well into the lifecycle of the PlayStation 6.
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