Among the various first-party developers associated with PlayStation, Bend Studio stands out as an underappreciated gem. Founded in Oregon over 32 years ago—predating the PlayStation brand itself—the studio has carved a niche in the gaming world, though its reputation lags behind industry giants like Sucker Punch, Naughty Dog, and Insomniac. Originally, Bend Studio focused on puzzle games for the Apple Newton, but it soon diversified during the PS1 era, notably working on the beloved Syphon Filter series. In recent years, the studio gained attention for its 2019 title, Days Gone, which, despite a mixed critical response, won a loyal fanbase.
According to recent speculation, Bend Studio is embarking on an exciting new venture: a military-themed multiplayer third-person shooter that is likely to incorporate Games as a Service (GAAS) elements. This upcoming project is touted as a brand-new intellectual property (IP), steering clear of established franchises like Syphon Filter or SOCOM. Notably, this shift to developing a new IP may have emerged from previous ambitions; the studio was reportedly once engaged in creating an Uncharted game, though development on that project appears to have ceased.
Rumored Development of a New Uncharted Game at Bend Studio
Bend Studio’s Cancelled Projects: New Uncharted and Days Gone Sequels
In April 2021, intriguing rumors surfaced regarding the cancellation of a Days Gone sequel, attributed to its subdued critical reception and challenging development process. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier reported that one of Bend Studio’s teams, initially dedicated to Days Gone 2, pivoted to the creation of a new Uncharted title. However, specific details about the new game were scarce, with confirmation that it was still in the early planning phases.
Further insights came to light in the wake of the 2023 Insomniac hack, revealing documentation from 2020 that indicated Bend Studio was once aspiring to develop both a sequel to Days Gone and the Uncharted game. After four years without any formal announcement, it seems the Uncharted project likely faced cancellation due to a shift in interest among Bend Studio’s staff towards crafting new IPs rather than continuing with established franchises.
Bend Studio’s Familiarity with the Uncharted Franchise
If Bend Studio had pursued a new Uncharted title, it would not have marked their first engagement with this iconic series. The developer has previously collaborated with Naughty Dog, another Sony subsidiary, on various Uncharted spin-offs, including titles such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Uncharted: Fight for Fortune, and Uncharted: Drake’s Trail. While it is uncommon for Sony to delegate its flagship IPs to other studios within the PlayStation ecosystem, Bend Studio serves as a notable exception.
Potential Future Collaborations on Legacy Franchises
Sony may find strategic advantages in allowing more of its internal developers to work on legacy franchises birthed by sister studios. Fans might eagerly anticipate the prospect of Insomniac crafting a new mainline entry in the Infamous series or Polyphony Digital taking a hands-on approach to developing a sixth MotorStorm installment.
While the production of such hypothetical games remains uncertain, the enthusiasm from developers under Sony to work outside their original franchises is a tantalizing possibility. The willingness to allow Bend Studio to contribute to a prime Naughty Dog IP suggests an openness to revitalize dormant franchises, sparking hope among enthusiasts for the revival of beloved titles.
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