Sony's ambitious gaming 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 evolving market dynamics. However, this strategy was met with skepticism from many gamers concerned about a potential shift away from single-player titles. Despite reassurances from Sony, the recent cancellations tell a different story.
Nine of the twelve anticipated projects have been scrapped. While Helldivers 2 found success, high-profile cancellations include Concord, Payback, The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a God of War title from Bluepoint Games.
Cancelled Sony Games:
- Concord: Failed to meet expectations.
- God of War (Bluepoint Games): Development halted.
- Bend Studio's Multiplayer Game: Project terminated.
- The Last of Us: Factions: Cancelled.
- Spider-Man: The Great Web (Insomniac Games): No longer in development.
- Twisted Metal (Firesprite): Development ceased.
- Unannounced Fantasy Game (London Studio): Project cancelled.
- Payback (Bungie): Development ended.
- Deviation Games Networking Project: Project abandoned.
The majority of these cancellations were directly tied to Sony's push into the games-as-a-service market. The reaction from gamers has been overwhelmingly negative, with many criticizing Sony for prioritizing trends over its core strengths and established franchises. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, among others, face significant delays.
