
Sony cancels two PlayStation games, including God of War.
Sony Axes Two PlayStation Live-Service Games
Sony has canceled two anticipated live-service games, dealing a blow to its ambitions in this sector. One of the casualties was reportedly a God of War title, developed by Bluepoint Games, the studio behind the acclaimed Demon’s Souls remake. The other canceled game was in development at Bend Studio, known for Days Gone.
Impact on Studios and Future Projects
While Sony assures that neither studio will be shut down, the impact on staff remains unclear. The company is working with both studios to determine their next projects. Bend Studio was previously reported to be working on a new IP, though it’s unclear if this is the canceled project.
PlayStation’s Live-Service Struggles
This news follows a mixed track record for Sony’s live-service efforts. Helldivers 2 achieved considerable success, while Concord faced a swift and dramatic closure, resulting in the shutdown of its developer, Firewalk Studios. Furthermore, Sony canceled its The Last of Us multiplayer game in late 2023.
What This Means for Gamers
The cancellation of these highly anticipated titles, particularly the God of War game, is undoubtedly disappointing for fans. It highlights the challenges faced by even major game publishers in navigating the competitive live-service market. The future of Sony’s live-service strategy remains uncertain following these setbacks.