Sony Cancels God of War Live Service Game and Bend Studio's Unannounced Project
Sony's live service ambitions have suffered another major blow. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company has canceled two projects following a recent review. One of the games was a God of War live service project being developed by Bluepoint Games, while the other remains an unannounced title from Bend Studio, the team behind Days Gone.
God of War’s Live Service Experiment Ends
The God of War live service title was an unexpected project from Bluepoint Games, known for their acclaimed remake of Demon’s Souls and their support work on God of War Ragnarok. Despite Bluepoint's pedigree, the game's cancellation highlights Sony's ongoing struggle to find success in the competitive live service market, which has seen other high-profile projects, such as The Last of Us Online, fail to gain traction.
What’s Next for Bluepoint and Bend Studio?
While these cancellations may be disappointing, Sony confirmed that both Bluepoint Games and Bend Studio remain integral parts of PlayStation Studios. According to the company spokesperson, both teams are considered "highly accomplished" and will work closely with Sony to determine their next projects.
This announcement has sparked renewed speculation about what Bluepoint might tackle next. Fans are already hoping for the long-rumored Bloodborne remake or remaster, though no official confirmation has been made. Bend Studio’s future remains unclear, though their canceled project may have been their first major endeavor following the lukewarm reception of Days Gone.
The cancellation of these two projects further underscores the challenges Sony has faced in pivoting toward live service games. Despite significant investments, the strategy has led to more setbacks than successes, with Helldivers 2 being a notable exception.
What are your thoughts on the canceled God of War live service game? Should Sony focus more on single-player experiences or continue their live service push? Let us know in the comments below!
