Sony Cancels Nine Games, Faces Fan Backlash

Sony finds itself in a challenging position following the collapse of its ambitious plan to introduce 12 game services by 2025. The company recently made the tough decision to cancel nine projects, a move that has left the gaming community both frustrated and disappointed.

In 2022, Jim Ryan, then president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, unveiled Sony's strategy to launch 12 game services by 2025. This initiative was designed to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. However, many gamers expressed concerns that Sony was shifting its focus away from beloved single-player experiences. Despite assurances from Sony that it would continue to develop such titles, the reality has proven otherwise.

It has now been revealed that 9 out of the 12 planned projects have been canceled. While the successful launch of Helldivers 2 has captured the attention of millions of players, other projects like Concord and Payback have been discontinued. Additionally, highly anticipated titles such as 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.

Here's Sony's list of canceled games:

• Concord (didn't live up to 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

Almost all of the canceled projects were integral to Sony's bold strategy to penetrate the games-as-services market. The gaming community has voiced its discontent, criticizing Sony for becoming overly focused on this trend and seemingly neglecting its foundational strengths in single-player gaming. As a result, fans of projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games will need to exercise patience, as these developments are now delayed by several years.