Sony's ambitious plan to launch twelve game services by 2025 has hit a major snag, leaving gamers disappointed and questioning the company's direction. The abrupt cancellation of nine projects, including several high-profile titles, has sparked outrage among players.
In 2022, then-president Jim Ryan announced this bold strategy, aiming to adapt to the evolving gaming landscape. However, this shift faced immediate backlash from many gamers concerned about a potential neglect of single-player experiences. Despite assurances that single-player development would continue, the recent cancellations tell a different story.
Nine of the twelve planned services have been scrapped. While Helldivers 2 found success, projects like Concord, Payback, The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a God of War title from Bluepoint Games have been cut. This also includes a multiplayer game from Bend Studio, an unannounced fantasy title from London Studio, Twisted Metal from Firesprite, and a networking project from Deviation Games.
Sony's Canceled Games:
- Concord: Failed to meet expectations.
- God of War (Bluepoint Games): Development halted.
- Bend Studio's Multiplayer Game: Project canceled.
- The Last of Us: Factions: No longer in development.
- Spider-Man: The Great Web (Insomniac Games): Development ceased.
- Twisted Metal (Firesprite): Project canceled.
- Unannounced Fantasy Game (London Studio): Development halted.
- Payback (Bungie): Project canceled.
- Networking Project (Deviation Games): Development ceased.
The cancellations primarily impact Sony's push into the games-as-a-service market. Many gamers are expressing frustration, believing Sony prioritized this trend over its core strengths and established franchises. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, in particular, face significant delays.
