Sony has effectively shuttered Bluepoint Games, the studio renowned for its meticulous remakes of classic PlayStation titles like Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus. The closure, confirmed by a PlayStation spokesperson to Bloomberg, will impact approximately 70 developers and take effect in March .
The decision follows a recent internal business review at Sony, according to reports. Bluepoint Games was acquired by Sony in , following the critical and commercial success of its Demon’s Souls remake for the PlayStation 5. Prior to the acquisition, the studio built a reputation for high-quality remasters and ports, including the God of War Collection, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection.
The shutdown marks a significant shift for Sony, particularly given Bluepoint’s established expertise in revitalizing older PlayStation properties. The studio’s skillset was widely seen as valuable for addressing the growing demand for updated versions of beloved titles, especially from the PlayStation 3 era. The move is described as “puzzling” given the potential for further remakes.
Adding complexity to the situation, Bluepoint Games had been developing a live-service title within the God of War universe. This project, however, was canceled in January , according to Bloomberg. Following the cancellation, the studio spent the subsequent year pitching new projects, but ultimately failed to secure approval for continued operation.
The closure of Bluepoint Games effectively dashes hopes for a remake of Bloodborne, a PlayStation 4 exclusive that has been a frequent request from fans. Speculation had mounted that a Bloodborne remake would be a launch title for the PlayStation 6, mirroring the role Demon’s Souls played for the PlayStation 5. With Bluepoint no longer in the picture, the likelihood of a remake from the original team appears remote, though other studios like Iron Galaxy and Nixxes could potentially take on the project.
This isn’t the first instance of Sony closing a studio shortly after acquisition. The case of Firewalk Studios, acquired in and shuttered after the unsuccessful launch of the online shooter Concord, highlights a pattern. Both Firewalk and Bluepoint were engaged in developing live-service games before their respective closures.
The emphasis on live-service games reflects a broader strategic shift at Sony, announced several years ago, to invest more heavily in titles designed for long-term engagement and recurring revenue. However, the development of these games is inherently risky, requiring substantial investment and a large player base to succeed. Live-service titles compete directly with established giants like Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends, which maintain massive and dedicated communities years after their initial release.
“Bluepoint Games is an incredibly talented team and their technical expertise has delivered exceptional experiences for the PlayStation community,” a PlayStation spokesperson told Bloomberg. “We thank them for their passion, creativity and craftmanship.”
The shutdown of Bluepoint Games underscores the challenges facing game developers in navigating the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, particularly as major publishers like Sony increasingly prioritize live-service models and reassess their studio portfolios.
