Sony Shutters Bluepoint Games Studio

(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

Sony Interactive Entertainment is closing Bluepoint Games, the Texas-based developer known for high-profile remakes and its work on God of War Ragnarök, resulting in the loss of around 70 jobs and marking another restructuring move within PlayStation Studios.

The decision brings to an end a studio widely regarded for reviving classic titles for modern hardware. Bluepoint Games, founded in 2006 and based in Austin, built a reputation for technically ambitious remasters and full-scale remakes, including Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5, Shadow of the Colossus for PlayStation 4, and work on the Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. It was formally acquired by Sony in 2021 after years of close collaboration.

Sony confirmed the closure in a statement, describing the move as part of a broader evaluation of its development portfolio. The company said it had made the“difficult decision” following an assessment of its studios and projects, adding that it remained committed to delivering“high-quality, narrative-driven experiences” while adapting to shifts in the industry.

The shutdown follows a period of turbulence for Sony's gaming division. PlayStation Studios has faced mounting pressure to manage development costs and recalibrate its strategy around live-service titles after several projects were delayed, cancelled or reassessed. Over the past two years, Sony has reduced headcount across multiple internal teams and scaled back ambitions for a slate of multiplayer games originally planned to diversify its portfolio beyond single-player blockbusters.

Bluepoint had been working on an original project since the release of Demon's Souls in 2020, with studio leadership previously indicating it would move beyond remakes to create new intellectual property. Details of that project were never publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear how far development had progressed before the closure decision.

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Industry analysts say the move reflects broader economic pressures across the video game sector. Following a surge in demand during pandemic lockdowns, growth has slowed, leading to consolidation and layoffs across major publishers. Development budgets for AAA titles have escalated sharply, with blockbuster games now costing hundreds of millions of dollars and requiring extended production cycles. Companies are responding by prioritising fewer, more predictable releases.

Bluepoint's work was often cited as setting a benchmark for remakes. The 2018 version of Shadow of the Colossus retained the design of the 2005 original while rebuilding assets and systems from the ground up. Demon's Souls, launched alongside the PlayStation 5, showcased the console's technical capabilities and was praised for modernising a cult classic without altering its core mechanics. The studio's contribution to God of War Ragnarök further demonstrated its integration into Sony's flagship franchises.

For Sony, the closure carries symbolic weight. Bluepoint's acquisition in 2021 was presented as a reinforcement of PlayStation's commitment to premium experiences. At the time, Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, described the studio as“a world-class team” with a passion for refining beloved titles. The shutdown underlines how quickly strategic priorities can shift in a competitive market.

The job losses add to a growing tally of redundancies across the industry. Major publishers including Microsoft, Electronic Arts and others have announced layoffs over the past year as they reassess costs and focus areas. Sony itself cut approximately 900 roles across its gaming operations earlier in the year, affecting teams in the United States, Europe and Asia. The company cited the need to streamline development and improve efficiency.

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Observers note that Sony continues to invest heavily in its core franchises, including Spider-Man, The Last of Us and Horizon, while exploring expansion into film, television and PC releases. However, the recalibration away from certain live-service ambitions suggests a more cautious approach following mixed market responses to some multiplayer projects.

Bluepoint's closure also raises questions about the future of large-scale remakes within Sony's portfolio. While remasters and remakes have proven commercially viable, particularly when tied to established brands, they require substantial resources and compete for development capacity with new titles. With development cycles lengthening, publishers face trade-offs between nostalgia-driven projects and fresh intellectual property.

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