440°

Days Gone Studio's New IP Is a Live-Service Game

Days Gone developer appears to be moving well outside its comfort zone in order to join Sony's ongoing foray into live-service games.

Admin note: Updated this to rumor. Job listings can be a good indicator, but let's remember nothing is final until officially announced. ~Christopher

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gamerant.com
Sonic188170d ago

This game will determine the fate of Sony Bend. Not looking to good if it's a live service game.

Lightning7770d ago

That's the regime within Sony to have some of their studios make a LS games.

_SilverHawk_70d ago

Days gone is an amazing game which I believe was unfairly criticized for things a lot of other games gets a pass for. The game is very good but had a few bugs on launch that was quickly patched the day of release. There are so many games that took months to iron out most of the bugs that are highly praised so I can understand if the dev team decides to go a different route.

It's a tricky thing to try to make a sequel of a game because I've seen sequels improve a lot over the first game with new worlds and mechanics and get lower review scores while other games sequel have the same world with minor changes but get better review scores. Whatever the days gone developers are making I believe will be a good game because I know they are a good game studio.

sushimama70d ago

Helldivers 2 proves you can make fun live service games that don't feel like they're nickle and diming you. I am optimistic

Magic_Spatula69d ago

Yea. That has been planned for years.

S2Killinit69d ago (Edited 69d ago )

No, Sony is not allowed to have LS. Everyone else yes, but Sony is not allowed. We wont allow it.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 69d ago
sushimama70d ago

Why? It's obvious at this point of what not to do when making a live service game. Plus you can see from Helldivers 2 that fun games can be made that don't feel like Microtransactions are weighing you or the game down.

GhostScholar69d ago

For every helldivers 2 there are so many that aren’t good. Let’s not assume every sony live service game is gonna be helldivers 2.

--Onilink--69d ago

To be fair, while Helldivers 2 has been great and quite successful, its only been out for a month and a half.

Its success from a launch standpoint has already been proven, but whether it succeeds as a Live Service game (in particular as one to be used as a model for others) is not really something we know yet.

The whole point of devs and publishers going for live service is the consistent revenue they provide over several years, not just 1-2 months

porkChop69d ago

It's been obvious for years though. That hasn't stopped dozens of live service games crashing and burning on release for making the same mistakes again and again. This industry doesn't learn.

S2Killinit69d ago

Why is it automatically bad? Maybe its a good game. I reserve my judgement until we see it.

ThePacemaker69d ago

Unless it is a hit like Helldivers ||, the studio will not survive unfortunately.

Redemption-6469d ago

That is a lie. They can make a single player that players would claim they want, but would not support. They can make a good live service game like Helldivers 2. As long the game is good and the mtx are not bad, the game will do well. Their last game was a single-player game, yet most only got the game when it was heavily discounted.

DarXyde69d ago

Quite unfortunate.

Sony really should not be asking their long time studios to be making these games. Haven, Bungie, fine. Not Bend.

Obscure_Observer69d ago

"Not looking to good if it's a live service game."

It´s Amazing news!

It could be a spiritual successor to Syphon Filter with multiplayer/co-op mechanics.

Bring it on, Bend!

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 69d ago
-Foxtrot70d ago

I'm going to say this as someone who really enjoyed Days Gone

Why would you go and create an open world, multiplayer game with live service elements if you're previous game which was only a single player title came out flawed?

Wouldn't you want to create a new single player game to refine and fix your last mistakes to master what you were going for the first time before jumping into uncharted territories with online, multiplayer and live service which is a completely different beast entirely.

I can't be the only who thinks this right?

Just seems like your setting yourself up for failure in my opinion, you're giving yourself and your team bigger challenges to overcome in an already oversaturated market, a market where live service games made by people who are used to online and multiplayer are even struggling themselves.

It might be good, who knows, but at the moment it just seems they are biting off more than they can chew.

isarai70d ago

Wasn't up to them, it's Jim's orders

phoenixwing70d ago

Isarai is completely right. bend already had wanted to do the sequel which is why the one guy stepped down from their studio because he didn't get to. Their marching orders were to do this from Sony.

JackBNimble69d ago (Edited 69d ago )

Phoenix
That doesn't take away from the fact that when this LS fails , that Bend will be dismantled whether Ryan gave the "marching orders" or not.

just_looken70d ago

Though you are right like Isarai said sony wanted 12 live service games asap they have no say in the matter just work for there over lords like isomiac in there marvel slave factory.

phoenixwing70d ago

honestly having to make marvel games isn't so bad, there's a diverse lineup of characters to choose from. what's really bad about it is that they have to consult with sweet baby inc about political crap to add to their games or take away from it

Nooderus69d ago (Edited 69d ago )

That's a nasty little run on sentence with misspellings.

just_looken69d ago

@pho

Its not making marvel games its about the leak were even into mid ps6 we wil still be getting spiderman/wolverine from a dev studio that once did infamous and of course the ratchet games.

But no everyday they go to work on 2 ips for the next 8+years

victorMaje69d ago

Yup as others mentioned, not up to them.
My only hope now is for Bend to hold on & make it to a time & state that will allow them to properly start working on Days Gone 2.

jznrpg69d ago

The pitch for Days Gone 2 was a multiplayer game as well .

MrCrimson69d ago (Edited 69d ago )

They just see their competitors profits and want to replicate. They ask all these studios to do something they've never done before and the results are exactly as you would expect (lacking). This has been happening for a decade in the industry. Dice and Battlefront/Battlefield are the best example.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 69d ago
Lightning7770d ago (Edited 70d ago )

I full expect to see this game announced at SGF.

It's definitely not Days Gone 2 it's a new LS IP. Hope it looks and plays good.

shinoff218370d ago

Live service online. Sorry to say they can keep it

Barlos69d ago

Yup I feel the same. I am never buying into LS crap, no matter how good the game is supposed to be.

shinoff218369d ago

Sushimama. Yes exactly like helldivers.

DustMan69d ago

If they drop it at 39.99 and a progression system that isn't entirely bogged down by MTX like Helldivers 2 they could have something in general moving forward. However I fell like HD2 may just be an exception to the rule.

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shinoff218370d ago

Easy pass then. Fk all that. Shame I really really liked days gone.

Obscure_Observer69d ago

You knew for a long time that Days Gone 2 wasn´t coming.

Your outrage makes no sense.

LG_Fox_Brazil70d ago

But the question is: will it be able to be another Helldivers 2?

Charlieboy33369d ago

Even if it is, my question is who is going to play all these live service games constantly? Doesn't matter if they are all Helldivers 2 quality, there is only so much time and people tend to dedicate themselves to maybe a couple of service games at a time ( if that ).

Crows9069d ago

Well...yes. however, once you're more or less topped off on one you really only go back for the updates. Or in some cases even once a season starts.

Barlos69d ago (Edited 69d ago )

Couldn't care less if it was, I wouldn't be buying it either way. LS is an instant deal breaker for me.

Obscure_Observer69d ago

"Couldn't care less if it was, I wouldn't be buying it either way. LS is an instant deal breaker for me."

And Sony couldn´t care less about you or your feelings.

CrimsonWing6969d ago (Edited 69d ago )

That’s the thing. Why does Helldivers 2 get praised but then this has everyone doomin’ and gloomin’? If we start getting GaaS as a majority of releases people don’t have anyone to blame but themselves for opening this door. I hope most of these GaaS games fail so we can get back to traditional games.

I always ask this question: Why do publishers choose to develop a game with a GaaS design vs just making a traditional game? There’s only one answer and it’s all centered around continual monetization with a dev budget spread thin over many years.

Lightning7769d ago

"If we start getting GaaS as a majority of releases people don’t have anyone to blame but themselves for opening this door. I hope most of these GaaS games fail so we can get back to traditional games."

In Sony's case if these LS games fail, major lay offs, studio down sizes and even possible studios shut downs (worse case)

I said this already but if these LS games fail it won't be a glamorous as going back to what they do best. There will be casualties and slow production, shifts and changes. If they succeed, they can make traditional SP games while supporting the LS game. That's the best case scenario.

Buy Bends new game if it looks good, plays good and fun. If it doesn't then don't buy it, no need to force yourself for some agenda.

I think Bends game is releasing next year tbh. I think it's closer than we think.

porkChop69d ago

History says probably not. Almost every live service game fails. Realistically if HD2 is successful the other games likely won't be. Traditionally people dont jump from live service to live service. They find one game they really click with and invest their time and/or money into that.

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100°

Every PlayStation Studios game available now on Windows PC

Windows Central writes: "Many PlayStation Studios games that are ported to PC get dedicated PS5 DualSense support, which allows users to experience haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support without actually having to own a PS5.

According to Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, it's still the company's intent to launch the bigger single-player games on PS5 first, before later bringing the games to PC. This might not be the case for multiplayer games however, which are considered okay to launch simultaneously on console and PC."

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windowscentral.com
ocelot072d ago

My guess is after god of war. Probably last of us 2 that's a almost 4 year old game now and by the time it's released on pc it will be more than 4 years old or close to 5.

Elda1d 21h ago

Every old Playstation game that is now on PC.

shinoff21831d 11h ago

Right. I definitely see what a headlined from a website named windows central was trying to do though. It's cute little wordplay to help out the green box

Flewid6381d 10h ago

Are PlayStation games no longer good or worth playing once they are old?

Elda1d 9h ago

I'm guessing my comment went over your head.

XiNatsuDragnel1d 20h ago

Good at least they can sell hardware

220°

Former Activision studio Toys for Bob partners with Xbox to publish its first game as an indie

Former Activision studio Toys for Bob partners with Xbox to publish its first game as an indie. This is something of a homecoming, as Microsoft owns Activision.

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engadget.com
Obscure_Observer2d ago

Very very early in development. Still, fantastic news!

Let´s GO!!!

Lightning772d ago

I guess.

How come they didnt either let them go or sell Tango and others to another publisher? Not saying Ubisoft, EA would be any better. (Capcome would of treated them right )

At least it wouldn't be MS of all ppl destroying them.

MS really should let go Tango go like they did TFB here.

darthv722d ago (Edited 2d ago )

one was under Bethesda (Tango) the other under Activision (TFB). Clearly each one handled the separations of their subordinates differently.

Obscure_Observer2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

"How come they didnt either let them go or sell Tango and others to another publisher? Not saying Ubisoft, EA would be any better. (Capcome would of treated them right )"

Perhaps because Zenimax and ABK handles such matters differently based on their own internal policies as "independent" publishers.

Whoever, chances are it´s simply because MS didn´t wanted Tango or Austin to be acquired by competitors and develop new bangers for them, giving MS a bad rep in a possible future. Which could also be the reason why they ensured an exclusive partnership with TFB and its new game, before anyone else.

Sad and disgusting. But it is what it is.

Lightning772d ago (Edited 2d ago )

"Whoever, chances are it´s simply because MS didn´t wanted Tango or Austin to be acquired by competitors and develop new bangers for them, giving MS a bad rep in a possible future."

MS has a bad rep now because those studios are no more. I rather them sell the studio continue to make multiplatform releases, while MS continues to focus on whatever they're doing. If they didn't want Tango around they should separated from them or sell them to, like they did TFB.

It's inexcusable, they have options on how to handle studios they don't want anymore with killing jobs. Not just MS but the rest of the industry also.

Sad and disgusting sure how many will get shut down next year or this year even?

I don't trust MS decisions and motivations at this point. You have to admit they make one dumb move after another.

Obscure_Observer2d ago (Edited 1d 23h ago )

"MS has a bad rep now because those studios are no more. I rather them sell the studio continue to make multiplatform releases, while MS continues to focus on whatever they're doing. If they didn't want Tango around they should separated from them or sell them to, like they did TFB."

Imo, MS separated from TFB because they didn´t had a game associated with Xbox yet, unlike Tango.

"I don't trust MS decisions and motivations at this point. You have to admit they make one dumb move after another."

Fair enough. It was indeed an epic dumb move from them to close Tango.

Still, all to be forgotten, like always have. This is not the first time a big publisher shuts down a beloved and/or successful studio out of nowhere and certainly won´t be the last. Do you remember Lionhead? Do you remember Evolution Studios? Yeah... both were beloved studios and yet, those companies kill those studios in q blink of an eye and got away with it.

anast1d 21h ago (Edited 1d 21h ago )

The studio boss made some money from this transaction. Once the game releases, the studio will get chopped up.

-Foxtrot2d ago

Manages to buy their freedom especially after all the shit Microsoft has been doing with its studios lately

...

Goes right back to them as partners.

Okaaaaaay...

darthv722d ago

Id venture a guess that TFB working directly with MS was a better outcome than working through Activision to get to MS.

VersusDMC2d ago

From the article...

"Toys for Bob spun out as an indie back in February after Microsoft instituted sweeping layoffs that impacted 86 employees, which was more than half of the staff"

I doubt those 86 employees enjoyed the Microsoft experience over Activisions.

Inverno2d ago

MS shuts down studios because of lack of resources and then helps these guys by giving em resources. Also MS is what forced them to buy their freedom in the first place? What kind of logic 😂

Chevalier2d ago

The best thing is that the company that is worth $3 trillion and owns the company instead of Xbox lacks resources. How the hell does a company worth $3 trillion making a measly $70 billion purchase they 'can't' support. Lol

romulus231d 17h ago

Stockholm syndrome, maybe?

BlindMango1d 12h ago

The reason they would need to "partner with Microsoft" is simply to make a game that's part of a franchise that Microsoft owns. Meaning they're probably going to make a new Spyro game - they're still an independent studio, but are making a game in a franchise that Microsoft owns. It's kind of like Remedy partnering with Rockstar to be able to make the Max Payne remakes.

shinoff21831d 11h ago

It was probably the deal to get released from Ms

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1d 11h ago
Sciurus_vulgaris2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Xbox’s gaming division seems to still function as 3 semi-autonomous sub-divisions, Xbox Studios, Bethesda and ABK. The three main sub-divisions can seemingly shut down or build studios and set up partnerships independently. This would explain why Bethesda can recently shutdown studios, while ABK spins off one studio, while building a new one. Plus, Toys for Bob could be spun off by ABK, only to immediately re-partner with Microsoft.

Chevalier2d ago

That's absolutely 💯 BS. Any sane 'autonomous' company would NOT put their games on Gamepass day 1 like COD will lose probably billions.

Also they're all under Xbox game studios so any autonomy is an illusion.

PhillyDonJawn1d 17h ago

No, I'm sure MS can and does step in when they want something done specifically but I'm also sure they let them also work independently

shinoff21831d 11h ago

I highly highly doubt this. Ms controls all. The guys aren't gonna be allowed to just shut something down like that without approval. No way

Elda2d ago

Either a kiddie game or something uninteresting.

Obscure_Observer1d 23h ago

Don´t worry. You won´t be playing it anyway since their next game will possible be a next gen Xbox console game.

Elda1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

Don't worry about my comments.

PhillyDonJawn1d 17h ago

Right probably something like astrobot

romulus231d 17h ago

Nah he said "uninteresting", lots of people are interested in Astro Bot.

Elda1d 15h ago

Never Astro Bot. Astro Bot looks better than any exclusive released on XB this entire generation & believe there hasn't been much.

Asplundh1d 14h ago

Crash 4 was good, so I'm hopeful.

PhillyDonJawn1d 13h ago

Hey you said that about SOT and looks like many ppl on PS is playing it. You also found bugsnax interesting ffs your opinion hold no weight lol.

Elda1d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

Bugsnax is BS, tried it & quickly deleted it. It's a game that fits right on Gamepass. PS5 owners that are probably playing the boring SOT you could count on one hand. LMAO!!...don't try to come for me.

PhillyDonJawn1d 10h ago

So you admit bugsnax interested you enough to try? 😂 someone gotta call you out on the foolishness.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1d 10h ago
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130°

What Happens to Your Steam Account When You Die?

The Outerhaven writes: While Steam has come out recently, stating that Steam accounts can't be transferred, we need to think about it since we all will eventually kick the bucket. But if Valve is denying transferring accounts, what can be done? Plenty, actually.

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theouterhaven.net
thorstein3d ago

It goes to my kids because I gave them the passwords.

To Steam: Missio has a song that conveys my feelings about you stealing my purchase after I die. It's called "Middle Fingers"

shinoff21832d ago

Pretty much. My son knows my info.

Abear212d ago

Yeah worrying about digital ownership when you’re on the other side of the grass seems a little strange, but also on brand for these millennial journalists to worry about.

qalpha2d ago

I'm sure Keith will be happy to hear he's a millennial journalist.

Goodguy012d ago

I suppose if I have kids, I'd just give em my account details by retirement age. If I die young then...idk lol.

CrimsonWing692d ago

Yea, I mean just give someone the password to your account. Is that difficult to do or something? Like, I’m legit asking because I don’t know.

anast2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

It's not difficult but It's against the policy. If they find out, they will lock the account permanently.

CrimsonWing692d ago

Ah ok, I had a feeling there was something like that. It seems kind of weird that you can’t just hand your account over to a family member or friend and let them take over the account.

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