Last week, Sony made waves in the gaming industry with a bombshell announcement: the termination of 900 Playstation employees, the closure of a studio, and the cancellation of several games in various stages of development. The news hit like a bombshell, leaving many shocked and saddened by the abrupt turn of events.

One of the casualties of this restructuring is London Studio, a veteran in the gaming world, founded 22 years ago after the merger of Psygnosis and Team Soho. The studio had been diligently working on a fantasy adventure, a project that now faces an uncertain fate. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for fans who were eagerly anticipating its release, only to learn it will never see the light of day. However, it’s worth noting that Sony had considered another course of action before deciding on London Studio’s closure.

According to journalist Ethan Gach’s newsletter, Dead Game, there were discussions about potentially cutting ties with British studio Media Molecule (known for titles like Little Big Planet and Dreams) instead. Media Molecule has not released a new game since the commercial disappointment of Dreams in 2019. While their current project remains shrouded in mystery, it has been confirmed that it is not a sequel to Dreams. Despite this, Sony evidently sees potential in their work, ultimately choosing to shut down London Studio due to perceived delays in their fantasy project.

The gaming landscape has been tumultuous for Media Molecule as well. Just last October, the studio was rocked by layoffs affecting around 20 employees, coupled with the departure of founder and CEO Mark Healy. These recent events have cast a shadow over the studio’s future and left many wondering about their next move.

The repercussions of Sony’s decision are felt not only by the affected employees but also by the gaming community at large. The closure of London Studio and the uncertainty surrounding Media Molecule’s future projects serve as a stark reminder of the volatility of the gaming industry. As fans mourn the loss of promising titles and talented developers, the industry braces for further upheavals and shifts in the ever-evolving landscape of gaming.

Source: DeadGame