Sony recently canceled nine games and fans criticized the company for the string of failures

Sony's ambitious games-as-a-service strategy has hit a major snag. The company's plan to launch 12 game services by 2025 has faltered, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of nine projects, sparking significant backlash from gamers.

In 2022, then-president Jim Ryan unveiled Sony's vision for a games-as-a-service future, a response to evolving market dynamics. However, this shift raised concerns amongst players worried about a potential neglect of single-player titles. Despite assurances to the contrary, the recent cancellations tell a different story.

Nine of the twelve planned services have been scrapped. While Helldivers 2 found success, projects like Concord, Payback, The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a God of War title from Bluepoint Games have been cut. Other casualties include a Bend Studio multiplayer game, Twisted Metal from Firesprite, an unannounced fantasy title from London Studio, and a networking project from Deviation Games.

Sony's Canceled Games:

• Concord (failed to meet expectations)
• God of War (Bluepoint Games)
• Bend Studio's Multiplayer Game
• The Last of Us: Factions
• Spider-Man: The Great Web (Insomniac Games)
• Twisted Metal (Firesprite)
• Unannounced Fantasy Game (London Studio)
• Payback (Bungie)
• Deviation Games' Networking Project

The cancellations primarily affect Sony's push into the games-as-a-service market. Criticism is mounting, with many suggesting Sony prioritized trends over its established strengths and legacy. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, among others, face significant delays.