Sony Closes Bluepoint Games Studio in March, Affecting 70 Workers

Studio Behind Acclaimed Remakes Ceases Operations

Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed the closure of Bluepoint Games, a studio known for its work on PlayStation titles such as the remake of Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus. This decision follows the cancellation of a live-service game project the studio was developing.

Background

Bluepoint Games, acquired by Sony in 2021, had built a strong reputation for its ability to create visually stunning and technically impressive remakes of classic video games. Their work on Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus received widespread critical acclaim.

The studio was reportedly working on a live-service game based on the God of War franchise. This project, however, was canceled by Sony. Following this cancellation and a subsequent business review, Sony has decided to shut down Bluepoint Games. Reports indicate that approximately 70 employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closure, which is slated to happen in March.

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Evidence

• Official Statements: A PlayStation spokesperson stated to Bloomberg, "Bluepoint Games is an incredibly talented team and their technical expertise has delivered exceptional experiences for the PlayStation community. We thank them for their passion, creativity and craftsmanship." This sentiment was echoed in statements confirming the closure.

• Project Cancellations: Multiple reports link the studio's closure to the cancellation of its live-service God of War multiplayer project.

• Staffing Impact: It is reported that around 70 developers will be affected by the studio's shutdown.

• Timeline: The closure is reportedly set to occur in March.

• Business Review: The decision to close the studio was stated to be made "following a recent business review."

Bluepoint Games' Portfolio

Bluepoint Games has a history of producing high-quality remakes and remasters. Their notable works include:

Strategic Shifts at PlayStation

The closure of Bluepoint Games has been framed by some as part of a larger strategic shift within PlayStation, particularly concerning a pivot towards live-service games. This pivot has faced challenges, and the cancellation of Bluepoint's project appears to be a consequence of these evolving priorities.

• Live-Service Focus: PlayStation has been investing more in games designed for long-term engagement, often referred to as live-service titles.

• Project Cancellations: The cancellation of the God of War multiplayer game indicates a re-evaluation of projects aligning with this strategy.

• Industry Trends: The broader gaming industry has seen a significant push towards live-service models, which offer continuous revenue streams through in-game purchases and subscriptions.

Impact on Remake Strategy

With the closure of Bluepoint Games, the future of PlayStation's strategy for remaking and remastering classic titles remains a point of discussion. The studio was a recognized leader in this specific niche, and its absence raises questions about how these types of projects will be handled going forward.

• Loss of Expertise: Bluepoint was celebrated for its technical skill and dedication to preserving the essence of beloved games while updating them for modern hardware.

• Uncertainty for Future Remakes: It is unclear whether other internal PlayStation studios will absorb the responsibility for future remake projects or if Sony will rely more on external partners.

Conclusion

The closure of Bluepoint Games represents a significant development within Sony Interactive Entertainment. The studio's closure, attributed to a business review and following the cancellation of a major project, leaves a void in PlayStation's development landscape. While official statements express gratitude for the team's contributions, the decision signifies a shift in internal strategy, with particular implications for the future of live-service games and the continuation of acclaimed remake projects. The fate of the approximately 70 employees and the studio's ongoing projects, beyond the canceled God of War title, is now a matter of immediate concern.

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Sources Used

• GamesRadar: https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/playstation/sony-shuts-down-demons-souls-remake-dev-bluepoint-after-cancelling-its-god-of-war-multiplayer-project/ - Reports on the closure and job impact.

• IGN: https://www.ign.com/articles/playstation-shuts-down-demons-souls-shadow-of-the-colossus-remake-studio-bluepoint-games - Confirms closure and includes a quote from a PlayStation spokesperson.

• The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/games/881578/sony-close-bluepoint-games-studio-remaster-remake-demons-souls-shadow-colossus-god-of-war - Details the closure, staff numbers, and reasoning.

• VGC: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-shutting-down-bluepoint-developer-of-demons-souls-remake/ - Provides a PlayStation spokesperson's statement and notes hiring for a new game.

• PC Gamer: https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/bluepoint-games-sonys-famed-remaster-studio-is-being-closed-as-the-fallout-from-playstations-disastrous-pivot-to-live-service-continues/ - Connects the closure to PlayStation's live-service strategy.

• Archyde: https://www.archyde.com/sony-shuts-down-bluepoint-games-studio-behind-demons-souls-remake/ - Discusses the uncertainty of PlayStation's remake strategy.

• Frandroid: https://www.frandroid.com/marques/sony/2983791playstation-sacrifie-les-rois-du-remake-sony-ferme-definitivement-le-studio-bluepoint-games - Links closure to PlayStation's strategic errors.

• App2Top: https://app2top.com/news/sony-is-shutting-down-bluepoint-games-the-creators-of-the-demons-souls-remake-will-be-left-without-a-job-288126.html - Confirms closure, job losses, and the link to the canceled game.