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TikTok Ban Leads To Marvel Snap Being Taken Down In The US

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  • Marvel Snap has been taken down in the US following the TikTok ban.
  • The studio says it’s very surprised by the move and is trying to restore services.
  • The ban has been largely criticized by many users and creators across the country.

The TikTok ban is currently one of the biggest topics of conversation in the US. With many users making a living out of the platform, the audience immensely criticized the move. This has even led to Marvel Snap being taken down in the country.

Why it matters: A recent law signed by President Biden prevents Chinese-based companies from working in the US unless they sell themselves to someone from the country. 

Marvel Snap banned in US following TikTok ban

As of yesterday, the TikTok servers went offline in the US with a message that President Trump has shown interest in working with the developers to reinstate the app once he takes office. Consequently, Marvel Snap comes from ByteDance as well.

The massively popular card game is published by the same company that owns TikTok, which has led to its unavailability on the app store as well. The game displays a message when you open it that they are working to restore their services.

The same is the case for the PC version, and even its website has been taken offline in the US. The studio behind the game, Second Dinner, took to Twitter to note its surprise on this matter and assured fans the game wasn’t going anywhere.

Marvel Snap ban
Marvel Snap developers say the game isn’t going anywhere

Nonetheless, the move is under heavy criticism. Still, considering that the upcoming President Trump is working on this matter to restore the services, it’ll be a sigh of relief for many creators and developers.

What are your thoughts on the TikTok and Marvel Snap ban in the US? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

PS Plus Essential January 2025: The Disappointment Persists

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  • PS Plus Essential’s January 2025 lineup, with the poorly reviewed Suicide Squad headliner, disappointed subscribers.
  • The tier’s declining quality contrasts with better offerings in Extra and Premium tiers.
  • Players urge Sony to improve game selections or risk losing subscribers.

Who wouldn’t want a fresh batch of games each month using the PS Plus Essential tier? Every month, PS Plus Essential offers some PS4 and PS5 games, allowing subscribers to download them instead of purchasing them directly. However, this month, the selection of games left subscribers disappointed.

Since early 2024, PS Plus Essential has been offering less exciting games. Now, as January 2025 rolls around, this trend continues with the addition of games that are either cheap or poorly rated instead of highly-anticipated or critically acclaimed games, further letting down their subscribers.

The lineup for this month, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, show that PS Plus Essential has been getting worse over the past year. It’s not just disappointing; it’s frustrating.

The Headliner That Fell Flat

Back in the day, PS Plus Essential was the go-to subscription for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune playing top-tier games. Nowadays, I think Sony has forgotten what made this tier so special for subscribers.

I couldn’t believe that Suicide Squad, one of 2024’s biggest critical and commercial flops, is the headliner of this month. Is this really the best Sony could do for its Essential lineup? Fans are really not happy seeing Suicide Squad as this month’s headliner.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Fans Outraged Over Suicide Squad As PS Plus Essential Headliner

Honestly, at the start, the trailer for Suicide Squad intrigued players, but the game disappointed players with repetitive live-service gameplay and excessive monetization. Critics slammed it, and according to Metacritic, it ended up with some of the worst scores for a AAA game in recent memory.

How did we go from the excitement of Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series to this? The live-service mechanics drained the potential of what could’ve been an epic game. Yet, this game is leading PS Plus Essential’s January lineup; why? It feels like a desperate attempt to revive a game everyone has already dismissed.

A Remaster & A Remake: The Other Two Titles

The Suicide Squad wasn’t enough to make subscribers feel bad for this month. The other two titles in January’s lineup, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, worked as fuel to the fire. 

I know both games are well-praised by the community. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is an absolute classic, and its remastered version does justice to the original’s adrenaline-fueled gameplay. Similarly, The Stanley Parable is a masterclass in narrative design, and its Ultra Deluxe edition adds a ton of new content to explore.

But the thing is, they’re both old games. Hot Pursuit Remastered is a re-release of a game from 2010, and The Stanley Parable started life as a Half-Life mod before its standalone release in 2013.

While their updates are commendable, they still seem outdated or reminiscent of the past and don’t give a modern or fresh vibe. Why is PS Plus Essential serving up remasters and remakes instead of fresh, exciting titles? It seems like they’re filling the lineup with low-cost options to cut corners.

A Call For Change

Compared to the Extra and Premium tiers, Essential falls far behind. Subscribers to Extra or Premium have access to some truly amazing games, such as Demon’s Souls and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. These are the big, exciting titles that anyone would expect from a subscription that’s meant to offer value.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Available On Extra & Premium Tiers

On the other hand, PS Plus Essential has added games that are not well-received. It feels like Sony is trying to push us to upgrade to Extra or Premium by making the cheapest tier less attractive. Maybe people will start considering upgrading, but part of me refuses to do so. Why should I pay more for the experience I used to get for less?

I don’t think I’m alone in wanting change. The whole point of this service was to give gamers access to great games without overspending. But as the lineup gets worse, it’s harder to continue keeping the subscription.

Instead of giving us titles that are poorly rated, why not use PS Plus Essential to highlight underappreciated indie hits? There are so many incredible games out there that could use a bigger audience. Otherwise, it might not just be me who cancels their subscription, and it could be a mass exodus of frustrated gamers.

Why Kingdom Come II Will Captivate You With Its Immersive Depth

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  • Kingdom Come II features an immersive world where every detail, like NPC interactions, feels real and alive.
  • The game’s story, centred on Henry’s challenging journey, is emotionally gripping, with well-crafted characters.
  • Challenging gameplay with room for exploration rewards players who invest time and effort.

One of the most anticipated games of 2025 is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, the sequel to the 2018 medieval RPG. But before diving into the sequel, it is recommended by many players playing the first game, as the sequel will continue the story of Henry, the same protagonist from the first game.

From the first scene, you will realize this wasn’t just another open-world RPG with familiar mechanics. It was something bigger, something deeper, something that demanded full attention. The game will throw you into a sprawling world filled with complex systems, layered storytelling, and characters who feel startlingly real.

So, If you’re looking for a game that challenges you, draws you into its world, and makes you lose track of time, this is it. Here’s why Kingdom Come II, set to release on February 4, will completely captivate you.

A World That Feels Unbelievably Real

One of the first things that struck players about Kingdom Come II was how alive its world felt. Every detail, from the bustling towns to the quiet forests, seems carefully crafted to immerse you completely. 

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Will Take The Elements Of Its Predecessor To The Next Level

It is even more remarkable how the NPCs contribute to this realism. Unlike in games where NPCs feel like static, generic filler, Kingdom Come II fills its world with personalities. Even minor characters have unique quirks, like grunting if you bumped or engaging in their dramas, adding life and depth to the world.

The attention to detail extends to how you interact with the environment. Everything feels grounded when gathering herbs, hunting wildlife, or even tending to your wounds. You’ll often pause to admire the immersive, living world the developers created. It’s not just a world you’ll want to leave anytime soon.

A Story That Demands Your Emotional Investment

The heart of Kingdom Come II is its story, which picks up where the first game left off. The sequel expertly connects you to Henry, the same protagonist from the first game. His journey is filled with tragedy, struggle, and uncertainty, and you can’t help but root for him as he navigates the challenges.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Henry, The Same Protagonist From The Kingdom Come: Deliverance

The narrative doesn’t shy away from discomfort. From the start, you feel the weight of Henry’s burdens, setting the tone for the adventure. It’s not about being a powerful hero but about surviving and making tough choices in a world that doesn’t revolve around you. This vulnerability is what makes Henry’s journey so compelling.

What I love most is how the game handles its characters. Take Hans Capon, for example. He’s sometimes pompous, irritating, and downright infuriating, but you can’t ignore him. Means even the characters you dislike leave a lasting impression. When you play, you step into a world where you’ll be as real as the setting they inhabit.

Gameplay That’s Both Challenging and Rewarding

I’m not going to lie; the gameplay in Kingdom Come II is complex and doesn’t come naturally, especially if you’re new to the series. The controls have a steep learning curve, and the systems, alchemy, combat, and crafting, are intricate. 

But here’s the thing: that complexity makes the game so satisfying. The mechanics are designed to make you feel like you’re truly inhabiting Henry’s world. Nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. You have to work for every small victory, whether successfully brewing a potion or mastering the timing of a perfect parry.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Will Be Released On February 24, 2025, For PC And Consoles

You’ll also enjoy how the game lets you take your time. Unlike fast-paced RPGs that rush you from quest to quest, KCD2 encourages exploration. Want to step away from the main quest to improve your skills? You’re free to do so. That balance between urgency and relaxation makes the experience even more enjoyable.

According to CzechCrunch, the good news is that the sequel is playable on below-average hardware without experiencing the game being crushed or stopped. So, Kingdom Come II is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a game that is as beautiful as it is challenging, regardless of their system’s performance.

The Blood of Dawnwalker Director Says Small Team Is Capable of Doing More; It’s Easier To Do Something Special

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  • The founder of Rebel Wolves recently explained that one of the reasons he left CDPR is because he believes a smaller team can be more effective than a larger one.
  • He said that working in a smaller team makes it easier to communicate, talk about your vision, feel the creative fire, and do something special. 
  • The Blood of Dawnwalker gameplay revealed is set to be released during the summer of 2025.

The highly anticipated title from former CDPR developers, The Blood of Dawnwalker, first trailer was released recently. The trailer revealed a lot of different information about the game. You can check out everything we know about it so far by clicking here

The game’s director recently revealed that the developers left CD Projekt Red because they had some crazy ideas and wanted to do more. The director further explained that a smaller team is capable of doing more if you are trying to do something special. 

Why it matters: The developers at Rebel Wolves are trying to do something unique and special, aiming to revolutionize the RPG genre. 

The Blood of Dawnwalker
The Former CDPR Developers’ First Project Is Attracting A Lot of Attention From The Fans

In an interview with PCGamer, the studio’s founder, Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, was asked why the developers left CDPR, where they attained a lot of success. Tomaszkiewicz replied that they had some crazy ideas to implement and that they wanted to work with a smaller team. 

The director thinks it is harder to work with and among the people in a bigger studio, while it is easier in a smaller one. He further states that due to a minor team, communication is way more manageable, and everyone can speak about their vision, which makes it easier to feel the creative fire as well as do something special. 

I felt that a smaller team is capable of doing more, because the communication inside the team, and it’s easier to speak about the vision. It’s easier to feel the creative fire, and to do something special.

-Konrad Tomaszkiewicz

Tomaszkiewicz’s statement makes a lot of sense as things can done quickly better with a smaller studio; however, the project’s scope also matters. With games like The Witcher 4 and GTA 6, all hands on deck may be preferable. 

Nonetheless, The Blood of Dawnwalker is shaping up to be a pretty solid release. The gameplay reveal will be made in the summer of 2025, when its release date will most likely also be disclosed. 

CDPR is also supporting Rebel Wolves, so the game may surprise us. What do you think about The Blood of Dawnwalker so far? Are you excited about this game? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers forums

PS6 SoC Design Already Complete; Launch Expected By 2027

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  • The first batch of PS6 chipset is expected to be manufactured later this year.
  • We can expect the next PlayStation console in 2027, considering it takes Sony 2 years to finalize their consoles after chip design.
  • The PS6 will utilize AMD’s UDNA 6 and Zen 6 CPU, potentially making it the strongest next-gen console.

While Xbox has already been teasing its next generation of consoles, details on PlayStation 6 have been comparatively scarce. However, according to a new report, the SoC design for PS6 is already complete.

According to the report, the first production run of the chip will be sent out for production later this year. Judging by Sony’s track record of console manufacture, the final hardware will be released two years after the first A0 chip is produced.

Why it matters: Details on the next console generation are being revealed almost halfway through the current generation. The hardware tease reveals the strength that the next PlayStation console will bring.

ps6 SoC
Source: NeoGAF

Moreover, the report revealed that the PlayStation 6’s GPU will be based on UDNA, the next variant of AMD’s RDNA technology. UDNA was also previously reported to revive AMD’s return to the flagship GPU market after three years.

PS6-AMD-Zen
PS6 APU To Utilize AMD Zen 6 CPU And UDNA GPU Architecture

The console’s APU will also benefit from Zen6 CPU cores based on 3D V-Cache Technology. By stacking L3 caches on top of each other, these cores offer a huge boost in CPU bandwidth.

The PS6 is also set to expand further the PSSR technology, which was revealed to influence the development of FSR 4. Machine learning is a huge aspect of the console’s development, and it is expected to outperform every next-generation console.

Do you think that Sony would benefit from a year more of development compared to the next Xbox console expected for 2026? Let us know in the comments below or head towards the official Tech4Gamers forum.

GTA 6 To Include Dynamic Weather Systems with Hurricanes and Storms

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  • GTA 6 may finally be coming later this year.
  • More title leaks have surfaced on the internet, suggesting that GTA 6 will include a dynamic weather system.
  • It has been reported that storms and hurricanes would feel real in the game.

GTA 6 is undoubtedly the most anticipated release in the gaming industry right now. While recent reports have suggested that the title could be delayed to 2026, Rockstar has not confirmed it yet.

Although the game is not new to leaks, one user who claims to have seen a few hours of Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay at the studio from last year’s testing build has revealed more detailed information about the title.

It has been suggested that GTA 6 will include dynamic weather systems with hurricanes and storms.

Why it matters: The game is rumored to offer features like changing weather and incredibly detailed environments, aiming to achieve next-level realism.

GTA 6 To Include Dynamic Weather
GTA 6 To Include Dynamic Weather

As seen in the above screenshot, the person who claimed to have seen the hours of footage of GTA 6 revealed a lot of information about the title, including that it will include dynamic weather in the title.

It has been reported that storms and hurricanes would feel real in the game as the wind would move the poles, road signs, and NPCs losing balance and running for cover in the title.

The world will feel more alive, with everything having a physical presence, from trash to debris, making the experience more realistic for players.

GTA 6 expectations are already unreal (Image by Rockstar Games)
GTA 6 May Finally Be Coming Later This Year

Not too long ago, Take-Two’s CEO claimed that GTA 6 would be extraordinary and worth the wait. Looking at all the recent leaks, it’s not hard to agree with his statement.

As always, these are just rumors and speculations, so it’s best to take them with a grain of salt.

However, it remains to be seen whether GTA 6 will be coming later this year or is going to be delayed until 2026. Nonetheless, how excited are you for the next entry in the GTA franchise? Let us know in the comments, or be a part of Tech4Gamers Forums. 

Days Gone Creator Backs Bend Studio After Live Service Game Cancellation

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  • The creator of Days Gone recently backed Bend Studio after Sony cancelled the live service it was working on. 
  • Fans are now hoping that after cancelling the project, Sony may greenlight Days Gone 2.
  • A remaster for the original title was rumoured to be in development, but nothing much has been revealed since then.

Days Gone, arguably among the most underrated PlayStation games, still hasn’t received fair treatment. The title made over $100 million in just digital sales, and yet Sony didn’t greenlight its sequel, which hurts the fandom to this date. 

Days Gone was actually planned for a trilogy, but Sony had different plans and wanted to spend $250 million on a live service title instead, which, by the way, has now been cancelled.

After the live service title’s cancellation, John Garvin backed the studio, and now fans are hoping that Sony is likely to greenlight Days Gone 2

Why it matters: Fans have always hoped for a sequel to Days Gone. However, Sony never listened to them and instead decided to focus more on the live service genre. 

Days Gone Creator
John Garvin, The Creator of Days Gone, Backs Bend Studio After Its Live Service Game’s Cancellation | Source: Twitter/X

Following the cancellation of live service titles, John Garvin, the creator of Days Gone, talked about the matter on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said no matter what people think of GAAS, this is the time for empathy as many people’s lives have been affected. 

No matter what you think about GAAS or Sony’s first party direction, this is a time for empathy… people’s lives are affected by decisions like this … devs, their families, their careers… I hope for the best.

-John Garvin

Under the post, many fans are hoping that Sony may now greenlight Day Gone 2, which makes sense given the studio is most likely not working on anything else. 

A silver lining: Days Gone 2 back on the table? It has aged wonderfully. Grew a massive cult following. A sequel would sell very well. For the first time in years, I am hopeful.

-Twitter User

Fans are now asking the creator to pursue Sony for a sequel, and rightfully so. There have been rumours going on about Days Gone Remastered being in development, and it being released would just attract more hate

A sequel is what fans want, so Sony should focus more on what the fandom is demanding. What do you think of the recent live service title’s cancelation? Do you think Days Gone 2 is back on the table? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers forums.

GTA 6 Will Simulate Real-World Traffic Incidents with Interactive Road Services

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  • Newly leaked information suggests GTA 6 will feature dynamic traffic and road services. 
  • There will be huge roadblocks if there’s an accident and NPCs will clear up the mess. 
  • Road services will be able to dig holes, maintain roads, and much more. 

A new leak has emerged revealing new information about the upcoming GTA 6. Thanks to small details spread throughout the map, the title will reportedly feel much more alive than any previous entry, including new interactive road services

Why it matters: GTA 6 will be revolutionary and the most important release of this decade, and based on these new details, it will also be the most realistic GTA game Rockstar has ever released. 

GTA 6 Leaked Details
GTA 6 to feature real-world traffic incidents and road services

According to an X user, who claims they’ve seen a few hours of GTA 6, the game will simulate real-world traffic incidents and feature brand-new interactive road services, which will make the game feel more alive than any other game. 

There will reportedly be workers who will clean and maintain the roads. There will also be dynamic traffic, so, if there’s an accident in the game, you’ll face huge traffic jams that will remain until everything is cleared by heavy machinery and maintenance crews. 

GTA 6
GTA 6 could be the most realistic game in the franchise

NPCs will be able to record accident footage and send it over to the police. Moreover, construction workers can dig up sites, put holes, and do a lot of roadwork. The roads are also destructible up to a certain point. 

It will even feature real water physics. So, once there is a storm, water will fill the potholes on roads, and it will stay there until it evaporates by the sunlight. Driving also feels very natural with each vehicle having its weight and style.

Now, it is to be noted that this isn’t official information, so take this with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, based on the details we are getting, GTA 6 is set to be the true-next gen game, we’ve been waiting for so very long. 

What are your thoughts on the new interactive road services and real-life incidents that could happen in GTA 6? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

GTA 6 To Channel Red Dead Redemption 2 Spirit With Horse Riding In Rural Areas

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  • GTA 6 is said to include horse riding in rural areas.
  • The horse-riding gameplay and physics are expected to be similar to those from Red Dead Redemption 2.
  • This element would add additional variety to the core Grand Theft Auto gameplay loop.

GTA 6 is said to be the culmination of Rockstar’s experience and work over the past few decades, marking a new leap for open-world gaming, packed with photorealistic visuals and never-before-seen things.

However, the game is still expected to feature many familiar elements that have been a part of the IP and past Rockstar games. In fact, a new leak points to horse riding being featured in the title.

Why it matters: Rockstar already has plenty of experience with horse riding due to its work on Red Dead Redemption. Fans have also enjoyed this aspect of the Wild West experience in the past.

GTA 6
GTA 6 Arrives In Fall 2025

As reported on Twitter, an insider has shared various details regarding GTA 6 from a recent build. Previously, the same insider detailed advanced destruction and environmental interactions, highlighting a major step forward for the series.

According to the report, horse riding will be possible in GTA 6. Horses are said to be available at farms and rural areas, implying that this element will be limited to a select few parts of the open world.

Because Rockstar achieved so much with the horse-riding gameplay and physics in Red Dead Redemption 2, fans can expect a similarly polished experience for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto entry.

Red-Dead-Redemption Featured
Red-Dead-Redemption’s Horse Riding Is Second To None

This would also be the first time horse riding is featured in the series, continuing the trend of innovations and new introductions in GTA 6.

Between land vehicles, jets, boats, and more, the franchise already has plenty of variety when it comes to traversal options. With horse riding potentially joining the mix, GTA 6 is poised to offer the most variety when it comes to traversal in the series.

While the leaks continue to pour in, Rockstar is also expected to be working on official marketing. Perhaps the horse-riding mechanics will be teased or shown in one of the upcoming trailers.

Till then, fans craving a comforting journey through open roads on horseback can always revisit Red Dead Redemption 2 for a taste of things to come. What are your thoughts on this information? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

AC Shadows Won’t Hold Your Hand, “Information Is Something You Need To Look For And Earn”

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  • AC Shadows director recently revealed that the game won’t hold your hand with icons and markers. 
  • It won’t be like your traditional Assassin’s Creed title, as players would have to work hard to get information. 
  • Players can get information through different means, such as spies, NPC interactions, or by observing the world.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows was massively criticised last year. The main controversy started due to Yasuke being one of the main leads in the game. The Japanese fandom found it quite offensive, and due to that, Yasuke became a national issue in Japan

Now, the game has been delayed twice as Ubisoft is hanging by a thread and completely relying on AC Shadows for its future. Recent footage has revealed polished gameplay and stealth as one of the major parts of the combat. 

 Now, the company has revealed that the game won’t hold your hand as players would need to find information on their own

Why it matters: Usually, an Assassin’s Creed game tells you exactly what to do, which kind of ruins the fun for many gamers. However, things won’t be the same with Asassin’s Creed Shadows, as you would have to find the information on your own.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe Parkour
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Parkour Looks Pretty Solid, Featuring A Plethora of New Features 

The upcoming Assassin’s Creed title’s director, Charles Benoit, explained in a new blog post that this time around, they don’t want to hold players’ hands too much. They aim to create an open world where getting information won’t be easy, as it would feel like a reward. 

We didn’t want to hold the player’s hand too much with icons and markers. We wanted to craft an open world where information was key and would become a form of reward. This made sense in the context of playing a shinobi and fighting for information.

-Charles Benoit 

He further explains that this makes sense when you are playing as Shinobi and fighting for information. Getting information by different means, like spies, NPC encounters, or, of course, yourself, would be crucial in Shadows.

we want players to discover all our cool secrets on their own terms through investigation, their spy network, or by observing the world.

This is a pretty exciting reveal, as now you may not have to do everything on your own. You can build up a network and get information from other people. In the other Assassin’s Creed games, you would have to climb the viewpoints in order to unlock a piece of the map. 

However, this time, the game won’t tell you most of the things. What do you think about AC Shadows not holding your hand? Do you find it exciting to gather information through different means? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forums

PlayStation’s Recent Acquisitions Have Been A Disaster So Far

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  • PlayStation has cancelled a total of 8 games that were in development from various studios, including many that were purchased recently.
  • Following the latest reports, most of these acquisitions have been nothing but wasted money.
  • Multiple studios have suffered from cancellations and poor management, with a few even being shut down.

Like many others in the industry, PlayStation has pursued various acquisitions over the last few years. These buyouts have included partner developers like Insomniac Games and famous studios like Bungie, but the overall results have been far from desirable.

Following the recent news of two more live-service cancellations, it has become clear that most of the gaming giant’s purchases have failed to deliver anything substantial.

Why it matters: Because so many developers were purchased over the last few years, billions of dollars were spent on buyouts and game development across these studios in total.

PlayStation Remasters
The Gaming Giant Hoped To Complement Its Single Player Titles With Live-Service Offerings

This failure is primarily due to PlayStation’s focus on live-service gaming and the decision to allocate resources toward multiplayer games, particularly from new studios. The following list marks notable acquisitions over the last five to six years.

  • Nixxes
  • Insomniac
  • Housemarque
  • Bluepoint
  • Firesprite
  • Haven
  • Firewalk
  • Bungie
  • Valkyrie Entertainment
  • Neon Koi

The first three studios on this list have done great things for PlayStation. Nixxes has been great at releasing polished PC ports, and Insomniac has already released multiple exciting PS5 games, proving to be a worthy acquisition.

Housmarque’s Returnal has also been a bright point of the PS5 generation, but the good news mostly ends here. For starters, Bungie’s acquisition has been nothing short of disastrous for PlayStation, and a comeback is not exactly guaranteed after recent layoffs and reports of poor management.

Bluepoint also recently suffered a major cancellation, which has created doubts about its role at PlayStation in the next four to five years. Elsewhere, teams like Firesprite and Haven have much to prove.

The former was said to be working on a Twisted Metal project that has been cancelled, and Haven’s upcoming Fairgame$ has raised red flags after Concord’s failure. Ultimately, neither studio has met PlayStation’s expectations.

Continuing the disappointment, both Firewalk and Neon Koi were shut down last year despite being fairly recent acquisitions. It should also be noted that roughly 8 of 12 live-service titles planned by PlayStation have been scrapped mid-development.

playstation live service games
Concord Performed Much Worse Than Anybody Expected

These include projects from Bluepoint, Bend, Insomniac, Bungie, Deviation Games, London Studios, Firesprite, and Naughty Dog.

  • The Last of Us Multiplayer – Cancelled
  • Concord – Game And Studio Shut Down Shortly After Launch
  • Payback From Bungie – Cancelled
  • Twisted Metal From Firesprite – Cancelled 
  • New Project From Deviation Games – Cancelled
  • God of War Title From Bluepoint – Cancelled
  • New Project Based on Days Gone’s Gameplay From Bend – Cancelled
  • New IP From London Studio – Cancelled And Studio Shut Down
  • Spider-Man: The Great Web From Insomniac – Cancelled
  • Horizon Multiplayer – In Development
  • Horizon MMO – In Development
  • Marathon – In Development

What do you think about this outcome? Do you think the GAAS (games as a service) focus was a mistake? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Concord Responsible For PlayStation’s Latest Live-Service Cancellations, Says Insider

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  • PlayStation has cancelled live-service games from developers Bend and Bluepoint.
  • A new report outlines that this was a direct result of Concord flopping.
  • It is also said that PlayStation will be more strict with its future games.

PlayStation has kicked off 2025 with two new cancellations. Following scrapped projects like The Last of Us and Twisted Metal, the gaming giant has stopped the development of a live-service God of War title and Bend’s live-service project.

More information has appeared on the situation since initial reports surfaced yesterday, revealing the exact thought process behind this decision. As per a reliable leaker, Concord is to blame for these scrapped games.

Why it matters: Concord became a colossal failure that was shut down mere weeks after its release. Its failure has completely changed PlayStation’s approach toward the genre.

As reported by Jeff Grubb, Concord’s debacle has led to a major reassessment of the company’s GAAS (games as a service) projects. He states that projects already in development are now likely to be cancelled more often than not.

This happened because of Concord. That’s what I’ve been told.

-Jeff Grubb

PlayStation had already cancelled a number of its 12 live-service games announced several years ago. The latest reports raise the total further, with less than five of those titles now expected to see the light of day.

Ultimately, Sony’s gaming focus has now shifted toward quality over quantity. Titles like Helldivers 2 will likely serve as the template for future releases, with Concord becoming an example of what not to do.

PlayStation Live Service
Sony’s Gaming Division Has Wasted Too Much Money On Scrapped Projects Recently

As for the future, fans can still expect to see Fairgame$ coming out later this year. Elsewhere, Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series is set to receive an MMO and another multiplayer project, showing a few signs of life for PlayStation’s GAAS (games as a service) initiative.

What are your thoughts on Concord shaking up the entire first-party lineup? Let us know in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.