Sony Backtracks on Game Releases

Sony's ambitious games-as-a-service strategy falters, leaving fans disappointed. The company's plan to launch 12 game services by 2025 has dramatically backfired, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of nine projects. This decision has sparked significant backlash from gamers.

In 2022, Sony Interactive Entertainment's then-president, Jim Ryan, unveiled the ambitious 12-service plan, a response to the evolving gaming landscape. However, this strategy faced immediate criticism, with many fearing a shift away from the company's acclaimed single-player titles. While Sony initially reassured fans of its continued commitment to single-player games, 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.

Cancelled Sony Games:

• Concord (failed to meet expectations)
• God of War (Bluepoint Games)
• Bend Studio's multiplayer game
• The Last of Us: Factions
• Spider-Man: The Great Web (Insomniac Games)
• Twisted Metal (Firesprite)
• Unannounced fantasy game (London Studio)
• Payback (Bungie)
• Networking project (Deviation Games)

The cancellations largely affect Sony's push into the games-as-a-service market. The reaction from gamers has been overwhelmingly negative, with many accusing Sony of chasing trends at the expense of its core strengths and established franchises. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, in particular, face significant delays.