Sony is set to close Bluepoint Games, the studio behind beloved remakes like Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus. This decision, affecting about 70 jobs, will take place next month, as reported by Bloomberg.
Sony stated that the closure followed a “recent business review.” They had acquired Bluepoint in 2021, having collaborated on popular titles such as the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and the Uncharted series.
Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, shared in an internal email that this choice wasn’t made easily. He mentioned that the gaming industry is facing challenges like rising development costs, slowing growth, and changing player interests. “These factors make building games sustainably tougher,” he said.
Bluepoint had been a key player in crafting high-quality experiences for PlayStation fans. Hulst expressed gratitude for their creativity and craftsmanship, promising to look for opportunities within Sony’s network for affected staff.
Recently, Bluepoint also co-developed God of War Ragnarok. They had been working on a live service game, which was canceled earlier this year as part of Sony’s shift away from live service titles under the leadership of then-CEO Jim Ryan. When that project was declared canceled, Sony praised Bluepoint as a “valued member” of their team, hinting at more potential projects ahead.
As gaming evolves, the industry sees rising development costs. In fact, a recent study showed that 80% of game developers face budget constraints while delivering high-quality titles. This growing trend highlights the tough environment studios operate in today.
Moreover, the gaming community is reacting strongly on social media. Many fans expressed their sadness over the news while reflecting on the joy Bluepoint’s games brought to their lives. It underscores the emotional connection players have with games, easily shared through platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
As gaming continues to change, companies like Sony are navigating a challenging landscape while trying to innovate. While Bluepoint’s shutdown is a loss, the lessons learned may pave the way for future successes.
