Bend Studio’s Upcoming Project: A Shift Toward Co-op Gameplay
Following the cancellation of their previous live-service project, Bend Studio appears to have pivoted toward a fresh direction. Recent insights from MP1st, citing internal sources familiar with the studio’s operations, suggest that the team is currently working on a new third-person title. If current internal roadmaps hold, the game is slated for a full reveal and commercial release in 2027.
Moving Beyond Days Gone: What to Expect
Despite the enduring popularity of their previous hit, this upcoming project is not a continuation of the Days Gone franchise. While details regarding whether this will be an entirely new intellectual property remain under wraps, the development cycle is reportedly more advanced than industry observers might anticipate. The core gameplay loop is expected to emphasize cooperative mechanics, marking a distinct departure from the studio’s recent focus.
Crucially, sources indicate that the developers are currently steering clear of the “live-service” model. While the industry is notoriously fluid-and development priorities can shift based on technical milestones or market trends-the current vision for the game does not rely on the recurring monetization or persistent online requirements that defined the studio’s previously scrapped endeavor.
The Evolving Landscape of PlayStation’s Strategy
Sony’s broader strategy regarding live-service games has faced significant turbulence recently. The high-profile collapse of Concord, coupled with reports that Horizon Hunters Gathering has undergone a major scope reduction following lackluster internal testing, has cast doubt on the viability of the “Games as a Service” (GaaS) model for single-player-focused studios. Furthermore, with titles like Bungie’s Marathon facing intense scrutiny regarding player retention and market interest, the appetite for additional live-service experiments seems to be waning among the core PlayStation audience.
Nevertheless, Sony leadership maintains a nuanced stance. During a June briefing, Sony Interactive Entertainment president Hideaki Nishino reaffirmed that the company remains committed to a diversified portfolio. This includes a mix of traditional narrative-driven experiences and select live-service titles, such as the upcoming Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. For Bend Studio, the challenge will be balancing their signature style with the demands of a modern, co-op-focused market.
