Bend Studios, the PlayStation-owned company responsible for developing the likes of Days Gone and Siphon Filter, is currently looking for a senior project manager for its next game, and we’ve looked through the list to give you an idea of what they’re working on.
Bend was quiet for a while. Their last release was Days Gone, a game I think is underrated. The game has sold 7.3 million copies over the years, according to data obtained during an Insomniac leak late last year. However, the mixed critical response and long development time led Sony to reject the sequel.
For 2022, the studio gave a small hint as to what it might have in store when it revealed its new logo. “The new Bend Studio logo is just the beginning of Bend Studio’s future,” the studio wrote. “As part of the PlayStation Studios family, we are committed to continuing to deliver high-quality experiences that aim to leave a lasting impact on you. Today we are excited to share some news about our current projects. We’re currently developing a new IP that will include multiplayer and build on Days Gone’s open world system, but it also offers a whole new world that we’re excited to create for you.. “I would like to reveal it to you when the time is right.”
We also know that Sony has invested significant resources into developing a number of live service games, and it looks like Bend’s new title will be one of them.
The new job listing for Senior Project Manager includes numerous references to the live service experience required and experience helping studios transition from traditional boxed games to a live service model.
As per the requirements, the list states, “Practical game development experience in a leadership role delivering AAA live service games is required.” “
The list also mentions applicants needing “experience in redefining the studio from a traditional “boxed product” focused game development to a live service development studio with a key leadership role.”
Recent layoffs and internal reports suggest that some of Sony’s planned live service games have already been thrown in the trash. However, there are still a few in the pipeline like Concord and of course Helldivers 2 which recently released and caused a sensation in the gaming community.
Personally, I’d love to see a Days Gone sequel, but I don’t think that’ll ever happen. I’m not particularly fond of the live service model as it stands, but Sony is at least smart about entering that market, and I’m always rooting for a studio as talented as Bend to do well. Fingers crossed the new game can draw a crowd.