Sony Cancels Nine Games, Faces Fan Backlash

Sony finds itself navigating turbulent waters following the collapse of its ambitious plan to launch 12 game services by 2025. The recent abrupt cancellation of nine projects has sparked significant backlash from the gaming community.

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

It has now come to light that nine of the 12 planned projects have been canceled. While the successful launch of Helldivers 2 has drawn millions of players, other projects such as Concord and Payback have been shut down. Additionally, high-profile cancellations include The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a game set in the God of War universe developed by Bluepoint Games.

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 frustration, accusing Sony of chasing trends at the expense of its foundational strengths. As a result, projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games are now expected to be delayed by several years.