Sony Cancels Nine Games, Faces Fan Backlash

Sony finds itself in a precarious position following the collapse of its ambitious plan to launch 12 game services by 2025. The company's recent decision to cancel nine projects has sparked outrage among its fanbase.

In 2022, Jim Ryan, then president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, unveiled the company's vision to introduce 12 game services by 2025. This initiative was designed to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. However, this shift towards service-based gaming was met with resistance from many gamers who feared Sony was sidelining its renowned single-player experiences. Despite Sony's reassurances that it would continue to develop single-player titles, the reality has unfolded differently.

It has been revealed that 9 out of the 12 planned projects have been axed. While Helldivers 2 has proven successful, drawing in millions of players, Sony has decided to shut down projects like Concord and Payback. 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.

Sony's List of Canceled Games:

Concord (failed to meet 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

The majority of these canceled projects were integral to Sony's bold move into the games-as-a-service sector. Gamers have voiced their frustration, accusing Sony of chasing trends and neglecting its core strengths. The projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, in particular, are now on hold for several years, leaving fans disappointed and uncertain about Sony's future direction in gaming.