Sony finds itself navigating turbulent waters following the collapse of its ambitious plan to introduce 12 game services by 2025. The sudden cancellation of nine projects has sparked significant frustration among its player base.
In 2022, Jim Ryan, then president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, unveiled the company's strategy to launch 12 game services by 2025. This initiative was designed to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. However, the announcement was met with skepticism from many gamers who feared Sony was shifting its focus away from cherished single-player experiences. Despite assurances from Sony that they would continue to develop such titles, the reality has proven otherwise.
It has come to light that nine out of the 12 planned projects have been scrapped. While the successful launch of Helldivers 2 drew millions of players, other anticipated titles such as Concord and Payback did not make it to release. Additionally, high-profile projects including The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a game set in the God of War universe developed by Bluepoint Games have also been canceled.
Sony's List of Canceled Games:
- Concord (failed to meet expectations)
- God of War by Bluepoint Games
- Bend Studio's multiplayer game
- The Last of Us: Factions
- Spider-Man: The Great Web by Insomniac Games
- Twisted Metal by Firesprite
- Unannounced fantasy game from London Studio
- Payback by Bungie
- Networking project from Deviation Games
The majority of these canceled projects were central to Sony's strategy to penetrate the games-as-services market. The gaming community has voiced its discontent, accusing Sony of chasing trends at the expense of its foundational strengths. As a result, projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games are now anticipated to be delayed by several years.
