It has been more than six years since Bend Studio, a PlayStation-owned developer best known for Days Gone, released a brand-new game. Now, evidence strongly suggests that the studio is hard at work on a fresh project — and all signs point toward it being a multiplayer-focused title.
The speculation began after a new job listing surfaced on PlayStation’s official hiring platform, Greenhouse. The posting is for an experienced creative director, with the responsibility of “crafting our next title,” which is described as already being in development at Bend Studio. While the listing does not reveal many details, one requirement stands out: applicants must have proven experience in designing and developing multiplayer systems. This strongly indicates that Bend’s next release will move away from single-player survival horror and toward an online or co-op experience.
Bend Studio’s Background
Founded in the early 1990s, Bend Studio originally worked on PC and Apple projects such as Dell Crossword Puzzles and Live Action Football. The team rose to prominence after joining the PlayStation ecosystem in 1996 and was officially acquired by Sony in 2000. Over the years, Bend became known for its Syphon Filter franchise, several Uncharted entries on the PlayStation Vita, and most recently, the ambitious open-world zombie survival title Days Gone.
Although Days Gone launched in 2019 to mixed reviews, it has gained a cult following in recent years. The release of Days Gone Remastered on PlayStation 5 earlier this year brought renewed attention to the studio, with many fans continuing to campaign for a sequel. However, Sony has not announced Days Gone 2, and this new job listing seems to confirm that Bend is pursuing a completely different direction.
Struggles and Layoffs
While this news is exciting for fans, Bend Studio has faced significant challenges over the past year. Like many other developers across the gaming industry, the studio was hit by layoffs in June, with reports indicating that roughly 40 employees — about 30% of the workforce — were let go.
Adding to the turbulence, rumors surfaced in July that Bend had canceled multiple unannounced projects. According to LinkedIn updates from former staff members, some of these canceled titles included open-world missions, events, puzzles, and various gameplay systems. This followed earlier reports from January that Sony had canceled two live-service games in development, one of which was rumored to be led by Bend Studio.
A Fresh Start?
Despite the setbacks, the new multiplayer project may signal a new era for Bend Studio. While the developer has not traditionally been known for online experiences, it does have some history with multiplayer through the Syphon Filter franchise. If this latest project comes to fruition, it could serve as Bend’s first major step into a market increasingly dominated by shared-world and service-based experiences.
For now, Sony and Bend Studio have not officially confirmed any details, but industry watchers will be paying close attention. Whether the project turns out to be a brand-new IP or a surprising continuation of an existing franchise, it marks an important moment for the studio as it looks to rebound from layoffs and canceled games — and potentially carve out a new identity in the PlayStation lineup.
