PlayStation Studios is parting ways with a successful first-party studio, which is being surprisingly shut down. This refers to... Concrete Genie-Creators at Pixel Opus, for whom the lights will go out in the coming days.
In a brief update on Twitter Pixel Opus explains that their journey is coming to an end. They thank their fans for all the years they've accompanied the studio through various projects, including the charming Concrete Genie, for which fans had somehow hoped for a sequel.
"Dear friends, our PixelOpus adventure has come to an end. As we look towards a new future, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the millions of passionate players who have supported us and our mission to make beautiful, imaginative games with heart. We are so grateful!"
Sony explains the closure
As to why Pixel Opus was specifically affected, there is a short statement explaining that ongoing projects are regularly evaluated and that, based on this, unpopular decisions sometimes have to be made, in this case the closure of the studio.
gegenüber IGN Sony adds:
"PlayStation Studios regularly evaluates its portfolio and the status of studio projects to ensure they meet the organization's short- and long-term strategic goals. As part of a recent review process, it was decided that PixelOpus will be closed on June 2nd."
Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden expressed sadness about the closure, the schreibt:
"This is a big cut. I've so enjoyed working with this team and watching them rise to deliver genre-defying 'Concrete Genie' while maintaining a culture of support, inclusion, and challenge. Now a new adventure awaits. All the best to every team member."
It's safe to assume that Pixel Opus no longer had any projects actively in development or that any were expected to be released in the foreseeable future. The last project Concrete Genie will thus be the final legacy.
Well, "successful" is a relative term. But the studio was creative, and the CG was quite decent for their first game. It's frightening, though, that Sony buries studios like this while pushing GaaS studios that have never achieved anything. Jim Ryan... he's sooooo good!
Yes, such small studios don't cost the earth, their small indie games would be great to fill PS Plus, Microsoft does that too with Sea of Thieves or Highfi Rush.
It's better than buying the games later; later the money will be lacking elsewhere, and even then it won't be exclusive forever. Jimbo is the Donald Trump of CEOs—anything to close some deal later.
I hope that doesn't happen to Bend Studio. I find it disgusting that they're not allowed to make Days Gone 2.
Who says I'll like the new IP? On the one hand, I'd buy the game because of the hope that it's DG2, but on the other hand, buying games you don't like or aren't interested in is kind of a waste of money or time if you end up playing them.
From my subjective consumer perspective, it doesn't bother me because I haven't bought any games from the studio; objectively speaking, and in the long run, it could be a mistake to focus solely on third-person open-world action-adventure games.
Today it's all the rage, tomorrow it could be completely different. I mean, some people are already starting to see signs of wear and tear on Sony's lineup.