Sony's ambitious games-as-a-service strategy has hit a major snag. The company's plan to launch 12 game services by 2025 has faltered, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of nine projects, sparking significant backlash from gamers.
In 2022, then-president Jim Ryan unveiled Sony's intention to diversify into game services, a move perceived by some as a shift away from its acclaimed single-player titles. While Sony reassured fans of its continued commitment to single-player experiences, 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. This also includes projects from Bend Studio, Firesprite, London Studio, and Deviation 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 push into the games-as-a-service market. Criticism has mounted, with many accusing Sony of prioritizing trends over its core strengths and established franchises. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, in particular, face significant delays.
