UPDATE 5.58pm: Following Bend Studio’s confirmation of layoffs earlier today, Sony has shared its own statement. “Earlier this year, Bend Studio wrapped development on a live service concept,” the company told Eurogamer. “After careful consideration, we chose not to move forward with it. As the team shifts focus to its next project, we’ve made strategic changes to better position the studio for long-term success.”
“As part of this transition,” it continued, “a workforce reduction has taken place at the studio. This decision was not made lightly, and we are extremely grateful for the meaningful contributions of all those impacted. Bend Studio has been a valued part of PlayStation Studios for decades, and we remain confident in its future and creative direction.”
ORIGINAL STORY 9.48am: Sony Bend, best known for Days Gone, is the latest company to be affected by layoffs.
Last night, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported the studio was laying off 30 percent of its staff, equating to around 40 people. In the time since, developers from Bend and the studio itself have confirmed the layoffs.
“Today, we said goodbye to some incredibly talented teammates as we transition to our next project,” reads a post on the Bend social media account. “We’re deeply thankful for their contributions as they’ve shaped who we are, and their impact will always be part of our story. This is a difficult moment for our team, but we hold immense respect for everyone who got us here.”
The developer stated it will “remain committed to building the future of Bend Studio with creativity, passion, and innovation in the titles we craft”. It did not clarify how many people have been laid off.
Senior animator Robert Morrison, who has previously worked on The Last of Us and 2018’s God of War, announced he was part of the layoffs at Bend last night, adding he was one of “a bunch” impacted. “I did my best. Hopefully I can find a new team to join,” Morrison wrote on social media platform X.