Sony has canceled two unannounced live service games, including a God of War title from Bluepoint Games, according to a report by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier. This move marks the latest in a series of cancellations, as the company's list of live service projects continues to dwindle.
The canceled God of War game had been in development for the last couple of years, and its cancellation is a significant blow to Sony's live service ambitions. Bluepoint Games, known for its work on Demon's Souls, Uncharted, and Shadow of the Colossus, is one of several developers Sony acquired in recent years to build up its live service portfolio.
The other canceled project was from Bend Studios, the developer behind Syphon Filter and Days Gone. While the studios won't be closing, there is no word yet on what their next projects will be. This news comes on the heels of the well-received launch of Helldivers II and the disappointing performance of Concord in 2024.
Sony's live service strategy has been facing challenges in recent years. The company had a dozen new live service games in development just a couple of years ago, but that number has been steadily decreasing. By the end of 2023, the number had dropped to six, and with these latest cancellations, the list continues to shrink.
The live service approach to gaming, popularized by titles like Fortnite, has proven to be a difficult space for many developers. Games like Concord, Anthem, and Redfall have struggled to find success, and Sony's own efforts have been met with mixed results. The company has already canceled several live service titles, including a Spider-Man game, Twisted Metal, and a Destiny-linked game from Bungie called Payback.
Despite these setbacks, Sony is still expected to announce more details about Bungie's revived Marathon extraction shooter and Fairgames, a PvP heist title from Haven Studios. The company's live service ambitions may be facing challenges, but it's clear that Sony remains committed to exploring this space.
The cancellation of these two projects serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges involved in game development. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, companies like Sony must adapt and reassess their strategies to stay competitive. The fate of Sony's live service projects remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the company's commitment to innovation and experimentation will continue to shape the gaming landscape.