Bend Studios, widely known for its work on the post-apocalyptic game Days Gone, has announced that they are on the lookout for fresh talent to work on a new project. This new venture is described as a "AAA live service" game, indicating a significant investment in a continuously updated and evolving online gaming experience. The recruitment call suggests that Bend Studios is poised to enter a market that's grown exponentially in popularity, given the success of other live-service titles.
Sony, the gaming juggernaut behind Bend Studios, seems to be doubling down on this live service trend. This is part of a larger strategy to stay relevant and excel in a highly dynamic gaming environment where player engagement and long-term monetization are key goals. Live service games offer regular updates, new content, and in-game events to keep players active and engaged, which has proven successful for many franchises.
The job posting, which came to light through an advertisement on Bend Studio's website, seeks an individual for the role of Lead Project Manager. The candidate needs to have "hands-on game development experience in leadership roles shipping AAA live service games." The description further emphasizes the candidate's ability to manage project scope and lead the transformation of a studio traditionally focused on one-time release ("boxed product") games into a studio adept at running live service game operations.
These requirements suggest the studio not only seeks to attract talent with a certain level of expertise but is also undergoing a structural transformation. To steer this new direction, the studio demands someone with a proven track record in leading similar complex projects—signifying a game potentially lined with ongoing content releases, community management, and a robust online infrastructure.
The venture into live service territory isn't without its risks. Gaming history is checkered with ambitious live service projects that have failed to live up to expectations or have been canceled before they could fully materialize. Numerous such attempts, including a recently scrapped online Spider-Man game and a rumored online Twisted Metal project, have demonstrated the pitfalls of the market. Sony's recent closure of London Studio, which coincided with the cancellation of a fantasy co-op game, underscores the uncertainties in developing such games.
Bend Studios, by stepping into this arena, seems ready to take on these challenges, banking on their legacy and Sony's support. But some may question the wisdom of moving forward with a live service game, considering the high stakes and the varying outcomes other studios have faced. Yet, it's possible that Bend Studios might pioneer a successful formula combining its narrative-driven design expertise with the live service model to create a game that captivates players.
The journey of Days Gone has been noteworthy, with mixed reviews upon release but gaining a dedicated fan base over time. Comments from Bend Studios post-release hinted at ambitious plans for future projects, even teasing that a Days Gone sequel was within reach before their development focus shifted. Fans of the studio are now eager to see how the team can take their storytelling skills and apply them in a live service context.
In summary, Bend Studios is embracing a new chapter that presents both opportunity and uncertainty. The call to hire experienced professionals capable of navigating the complex world of live service games demonstrates a strategic shift and a possible evolution for the studio. As the gaming community anticipates what Bend Studios will bring to the table, their next game could set a new standard for how narrative-focused developers adapt to the trend of live service gaming. Will Bend Studios succeed in capturing the magic of Days Gone within the framework of an ever-evolving online world? Only time will provide that answer.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
