Sony Bend Studio, the developer behind the popular Days Gone, has laid off 30% of its workforce, affecting approximately 40 employees.
The layoffs come after the cancellation of a live-service game, marking another setback in Sony’s broader restructuring efforts.
Background: Sony Live-Service Strategy and Cancellations
Sony has been aggressively pursuing live-service gaming, aiming to launch 12 live-service titles by 2025.
However, in 2023, the company scaled back its ambitions, reducing the number to six.
Bend Studio was among the teams working on an unannounced live-service project, which was ultimately canceled in January 2025.
The cancellation of Bend Studio’s project follows similar decisions affecting other Sony-owned studios, including:
- Bluepoint Games, which was reportedly working on a live-service God of War title.
- Naughty Dog, which canceled The Last of Us Online, a multiplayer expansion for the franchise.
- Firewalk Studios, which was shut down after launching Concord, a live-service first-person shooter.
Sony’s Official Statement on the Layoffs
Sony confirmed the layoffs in a statement, explaining that Bend Studio is shifting focus to a new project.
The company emphasized that the decision was made to better position the studio for long-term success.
They stated, “Earlier this year, Bend Studio wrapped development on a live-service concept. After careful consideration, we chose not to move forward with it.”
The company added, “As the team shifts focus to its next project, we’ve made strategic changes to better position the studio for long-term success.”
They said, “As part of this transition, a workforce reduction has taken place at the studio. This decision was not made lightly, and we are extremely grateful for the meaningful contributions of all those impacted.”
Impact on Bend Studio and Future Prospects
Bend Studio, which has been a part of PlayStation Studios for decades, is now working on a new, unnamed project.
While details remain scarce, the studio’s history suggests it may return to single-player experiences, given the success of Days Gone.
Despite the layoffs, Sony expressed confidence in Bend Studio’s future and creative direction, reassuring fans that the studio remains an integral part of its gaming portfolio.
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