Sony finds itself navigating turbulent waters following the collapse of its ambitious plan to launch 12 game services by 2025. The recent abrupt cancellation of nine projects has left the gaming community both shocked and frustrated.

In 2022, Jim Ryan, then president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, unveiled the company's vision to roll out 12 game services by 2025, aiming to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. However, this strategy was met with skepticism from many gamers, who feared Sony was shifting its focus away from beloved single-player experiences. Despite assurances from Sony that it would continue to support single-player titles, the reality has been starkly different.

It has now come to light that nine of the planned 12 projects have been axed. While the successful launch of Helldivers 2 has drawn millions of players, other anticipated titles such as Concord and Payback have been shut down. Additionally, high-profile projects like The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a game set in the God of War universe, which was being developed by Bluepoint Games, have also been canceled.

Here's Sony's list of canceled games:

• Concord (failed to meet expectations)
• God of War by Bluepoint Games
• Bend Studio's multiplayer game
• The Last of Us: Factions
• Spider-Man: The Great Web by Insomniac Games
• Twisted Metal by Firesprite
• Unannounced fantasy game from London Studio
• Payback by Bungie
• Networking project from Deviation Games

Almost all the canceled projects were integral to Sony's bold push into the games-as-a-service sector. The gaming community has voiced its dissatisfaction, lamenting that Sony may have been too focused on chasing trends and neglecting its traditional strengths. As a result, projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games are now likely to be delayed by several years.