Update []:
Bend Studio publicly addressed the staff reductions in a social media statement, expressing appreciation for departing team members’ work.
“This is a difficult moment for our team, but we hold immense respect for everyone who got us here.” The studio also confirmed shifting focus to an upcoming initiative.
Initial Report: Approximately 40 employees at Sony-owned Bend Studio face job losses amid restructuring, according to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier. The layoffs follow the studio’s recent pivot from a scrapped online-focused title.
The studio previously collaborated on an unannounced project with Bluepoint Games before its cancellation. Sony had pledged support for affected teams but now confirms substantial workforce reductions.