Bend Studio Remains Optimistic Despite Recent Project Setback

Bend Studio has offered reassuring words to its community following recent developments at the PlayStation first-party developer. Despite the cancellation of their AAA live-service project during a portfolio review, the studio maintains an optimistic stance about its future endeavors.

The studio’s journey has been closely watched since their work on Days Gone in 2019. In June 2022, they announced their focus on developing a new intellectual property, which was meant to incorporate open-world systems similar to Days Gone while introducing multiplayer elements. Recent leaked concept art suggested the project was shaping up to be an open-world military shooter with live-service features.

The cancellation news came as a surprise to many fans who have been eagerly awaiting new content from the studio. However, Bend Studio’s community manager Kevin McAllister took to Twitter with an encouraging message, expressing gratitude for fan support and affirming the team’s commitment to “creating cool sh*t.”

PlayStation is reportedly working closely with Bend Studio to chart their next creative direction. While the studio invested significant time in the now-canceled project, this shift in focus might signal a return to single-player experiences, especially as PlayStation appears to be reconsidering its live-service strategy.

The situation has sparked renewed interest in the Days Gone franchise among fans. Although Bend Studio previously indicated they had moved on from the series, recent rumors suggest a Days Gone remaster might be in development for PS5 and PC. The original game’s success on PS4 was notable, and the performance of a potential remaster could influence future decisions about the franchise.