Sony Cancels Nine Games; Fans Express Disappointment

Sony's ambitious games-as-a-service strategy suffers a major setback. The company's plan to launch 12 game services by 2025 has faltered, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of nine projects, sparking significant player backlash.

In 2022, then-president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jim Ryan, unveiled the ambitious 12-service initiative, intended as a strategic response to the evolving gaming landscape. However, this strategy was met with skepticism from many gamers concerned about a potential shift away from single-player titles. Despite assurances to the contrary, Sony has now confirmed the cancellation of nine of the twelve planned services.

While Helldivers 2 proved successful, other high-profile casualties include Concord, Payback, The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, a God of War title from Bluepoint Games, and several other unannounced projects.

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 predominantly affect Sony's push into the games-as-a-service market. Criticism is mounting, with many suggesting Sony prioritized trends over its core strengths and established franchises. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, in particular, face significant delays.