Sony’s recent cut of 900 jobs worldwide has also resulted in the cancellation of multiple first-party games. The company announced yesterday that it would reduce its PlayStation workforce by 10% resulting in job losses across various divisions.
Studios affected by the layoffs include Naughty Dog, Guerrilla Games and even the closure of Sony’s London Studio. The studio was best known for its work across the SingStar series, EyePet and recently VR titles such as Blood and Truth.
However, due to these layoffs and budget cuts, Sony has also cancelled multiple in-development projects. One confirmed game is a live-service Twisted Metal title which was in development at Firesprite Studios. The studio was recently acquired by Sony back in 2021 and was developing the new entry in the popular vehicle wreckage series. The studio also worked on one of the only PS VR2 exclusive games, Horizon Call of the Mountain.
The closure of London Studio also means the co-op fantasy RPG game which was currently in development at the studio has also been cancelled. The game has been in development since 2022 and was set in a fantasy London. It featured co-op RPG mechanics. Only a single concept art for the project was ever released.
At the moment, we only know of these cancelled games. Of course, the layoffs might mean other projects have also been cancelled. Projects which haven’t been announced yet. Sony also recently announced the cancellation of its online live service The Last of Us spinoff at Naughty Dog.
Sony has spent a lot of money building its first-party lineup. However, with a focus on multiple sequels, remasters and spin-offs, these investments are starting to stagnate. Smaller games such as Helldivers 2 are proving to offer more excitement than another Horizon or The Last of Us game. Let’s hope Sony’s 2024 lineup with Stellar Blade and Rise of The Ronin can follow suit.
