Sony’s US-based studio Bend Studio is undergoing a significant downsizing. The studio, known for productions such as the Syphon Filter series and Days Gone, laid off approximately 30 percent of its employees following the cancellation of its live service project. According to reports, approximately 40 personnel were affected by this process.

Sony continues its layoff policy

Sony Bend’s long-standing live service-focused project was canceled earlier this year. The studio announced that it had started developing a new game after the cancellation of the project, but it was stated that some positions were no longer deemed necessary during this transition period.

The decision includes not only developers at the beginning of their careers, but also experienced names who have worked under the PlayStation umbrella for years. Senior animation artist Robert Morrison, who also worked at PlayStation studios such as Santa Monica and Visual Arts, was among those laid off.

On the other hand, it was confirmed that some of the studio’s leading creative leaders, such as Kevin McAllister, will continue their duties. McAllister was particularly creative leader on the Days Gone Remastered project.

Sony Bend made a short statement on its social media account, saying, “Today, we said goodbye to some talented teammates. Their contributions will always be a part of Bend Studio’s story.”

Sony Bend has not been able to release a completely new game since Days Gone, which was released in 2019. The studio, which has only recently been able to gain visibility on next-gen consoles with Days Gone Remastered, draws attention with its low productivity compared to other studios within PlayStation.

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