### Mass Layoffs at Sony Bend Studio Following Live Service Game Cancellation Sony Bend Studio, known for its work on the game *Days Gone*, has recently faced significant layoffs after the cancellation of a live service project. Reports indicate that nearly **30% of the studio's workforce**, approximately **40 employees**, have been let go as a direct consequence of this decision. The studio's management confirmed the layoffs, which have raised concerns about the future direction of the team and its upcoming projects. This situation highlights the volatile nature of the gaming industry, particularly for studios reliant on the success of new game concepts. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Cancellation of Live Service Game**: Sony has officially canceled a live service project that was in development at Bend Studio, leading to the layoffs [https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mass-layoffs-at-days-gone-studio-sony-bend-after-sony-pull-the-plug-on-live-service-game]. 2. **Extent of Layoffs**: Reports confirm that around **30% of the staff** have been affected, which translates to about **40 employees** being laid off [https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sonys-bend-studio-hit-with-massive-layoffs-after-live-service-game-cancelled]. 3. **Impact on Studio's Future**: The layoffs raise questions about the studio's future projects and overall stability, as they transition away from the canceled game [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-confirms-layoffs-at-bend-studio]. 4. **Industry Context**: This event reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where studios often face drastic changes based on the success or failure of new game concepts [https://gamerant.com/days-gone-developer-laid-off-30-percent-staff-after-failed-live-service-push]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Layoff Statistics**: - **30% of Staff Laid Off**: Approximately **40 employees** from Bend Studio have lost their jobs due to the cancellation of the live service game [https://gameranx.com/updates/id/541708/article/sony-bend-studio-confirms-layoffs-rumored-to-be-as-much-as-30-of-staff]. - **Confirmation of Layoffs**: Sony has confirmed the layoffs, indicating a significant restructuring within the studio [https://www.shacknews.com/article/144647/sony-bend-layoffs]. - **Contextual Data**: - The layoffs occurred shortly after the cancellation of a project that was expected to be a major focus for the studio, emphasizing the risks associated with developing live service games [https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/06/days-gone-dev-reportedly-hit-with-layoffs-loses-30percent-of-staff]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, the recent layoffs at Sony Bend Studio underscore the precarious nature of the gaming industry, particularly for studios that invest heavily in new game concepts. The cancellation of a live service project has led to the dismissal of **30% of the workforce**, raising concerns about the studio's future direction. 1. **Cancellation of Live Service Game**: This decision has triggered significant layoffs [https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mass-layoffs-at-days-gone-studio-sony-bend-after-sony-pull-the-plug-on-live-service-game]. 2. **Extent of Layoffs**: Approximately **40 employees** have been affected, representing a substantial portion of the studio [https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sonys-bend-studio-hit-with-massive-layoffs-after-live-service-game-cancelled]. 3. **Future Uncertainty**: The studio's future projects remain uncertain as it navigates this transition [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-confirms-layoffs-at-bend-studio]. 4. **Industry Implications**: This situation reflects broader trends in the gaming industry regarding the risks associated with new game developments [https://gamerant.com/days-gone-developer-laid-off-30-percent-staff-after-failed-live-service-push].