Overview of Recent Cancellations in PlayStation Live-Service Projects
- PlayStation has discontinued two anticipated live-service titles from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games.
- Bend Studio was engaged in developing a third-person open-world military shooter, while Bluepoint Games was focused on a live-service adaptation of God of War.
- Despite the cancellations, Sony is not shutting down either studio but may consider potential layoffs as they strategize future undertakings.
Recent reports from credible sources reveal that PlayStation has officially scrapped two significant live-service game projects developed by its first-party studios. These cancellations impact the well-known teams at Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, reinforcing the speculation that PlayStation is reassessing its commitment to live-service gaming.
Initially, Sony envisioned a robust lineup for PlayStation’s live-service initiative at the beginning of the PS5 era. In 2022, plans were in place for the release of at least ten live-service titles by 2026. However, as time has passed, this goal has dwindled significantly, with numerous delays and project terminations. One of the most notable cancellations was Naughty Dog’s highly anticipated The Last of Us Online, which ceased development in late 2023. Additionally, projects spearheaded by other esteemed studios like Firesprite, Insomniac Games, and Bungie have also been shelved.
In the wake of the considerable failure of Concord, the live-service landscape for PlayStation has suffered yet another setback. Industry analyst Jason Schreier recently reported in a Bloomberg article that PlayStation has canceled two more live-service games, a fact that has been confirmed by company representatives. One of the affected titles was an unannounced open-world action game developed by Bend Studio, known for their 2019 release, Days Gone. The studio had initially announced this new intellectual property back in June 2022, with recent leaks suggesting it was designed as a military shooter.
Complete List of Canceled Live-Service Games by PlayStation
- Bend Studio: Open-world military shooter
- Bluepoint Games: God of War live-service adaptation
- Bungie: Third-person Destiny spin-off known as Payback
- Firesprite: Live-service title based on Twisted Metal
- Firewalk Studios: Concord (terminated shortly after launch, studio subsequently closed)
- Insomniac Games: Spin-off live-service game featuring Spider-Man
- London Studio: Co-op live-service title (studio subsequently closed)
- Naughty Dog: The Last of Us Online
Another project canceled by PlayStation was a live-service God of War title from Bluepoint Games, renowned for its acclaimed remakes, including Shadow of the Colossus and Demon’s Souls. Since joining PlayStation Studios in September 2021, the studio hinted at working on “original content,”raising expectations among fans who hoped for a new game instead of a remake. However, it has now been confirmed that the studio was developing an original live-service project set within the God of War universe, leaving fans disappointed regarding release timelines.
Fortunately, Sony has clarified that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games will be shut down. However, there still looms the possibility of layoffs or restructuring within these teams. Sony is presently collaborating closely with both studios to strategize their future projects. Given the extensive timeline typically required for AAA game development, it is plausible that the next creations from these developers may not emerge until the PS6 era.
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