Sony's ambitious games-as-a-service strategy falters, leading to widespread player disappointment. The company's plan to launch 12 game services by 2025 has dramatically backfired, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of nine projects.
In 2022, then-president Jim Ryan unveiled Sony's vision for a games-as-a-service future, a response to evolving market dynamics. This shift, however, sparked concern among gamers apprehensive about a potential neglect of single-player titles. Despite assurances to the contrary, Sony has now canceled a significant portion of its planned services.
While Helldivers 2 proved successful, high-profile casualties include Concord, Payback, The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a God of War title under development by Bluepoint Games.
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)
- Deviation Games' Networking Project
The cancellations primarily affect Sony's foray into the games-as-a-service market. Player backlash is significant, with many criticizing Sony for prioritizing trends over its core strengths and established franchises. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games face considerable delays.
