Sony's ambitious games-as-a-service strategy has hit a major snag. The company's plan to launch 12 game services by 2025 has faltered, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of nine projects, sparking outrage among gamers.

In 2022, then-president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jim Ryan, unveiled the ambitious 12-service plan, a response to the evolving gaming landscape. However, this strategy was met with skepticism from many gamers concerned about a potential shift away from single-player titles. Despite assurances to the contrary, Sony has now confirmed the cancellation of nine of the twelve planned services.

While Helldivers 2 proved successful, high-profile casualties include Concord, Payback, The Last of Us: Factions, Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a God of War title in development by Bluepoint Games.

Cancelled Sony Games:

• Concord (failed to meet expectations)
• God of War (Bluepoint Games)
• Bend Studio's Multiplayer Game
• The Last of Us: Factions
• Spider-Man: The Great Web (Insomniac Games)
• Twisted Metal (Firesprite)
• Unannounced Fantasy Game (London Studio)
• Payback (Bungie)
• Deviation Games' Networking Project

The cancellations predominantly affect Sony's push into the games-as-a-service market. Criticism is mounting, with many accusing Sony of prioritizing trends over its core strengths and legacy. Projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, among others, face significant delays.