Bend Studio Confirming New Co-Op Game, Not Days Gone 2, for 2027 Release
Bend Studio is reportedly developing a new third-person co-op game instead of Days Gone 2, with a planned reveal in 2027 and a late 2027 launch. The project is not expected to be a live-service title, suggesting it may be exclusive to PlayStation 5. This marks a strategic shift for the studio amid Sony's push for platform-exclusive content.
Bend Studio, best known for the 2019 action-adventure title Days Gone, is reportedly developing a new third-person co-op game instead of a sequel to its acclaimed post-apocalyptic hit, with a planned reveal in 2027 and a late 2027 launch. According to an insider report by MP1st, the project will not follow the live-service model that Sony has recently emphasized across its portfolio, suggesting it may be a standalone, narrative-driven experience exclusive to the PlayStation 5. This marks a notable pivot for the studio, which had been widely speculated to be working on Days Gone 2 despite no official confirmation. The shift aligns with Sony’s broader strategy of prioritizing platform-exclusive content to strengthen the PlayStation ecosystem and drive hardware sales. The absence of live-service elements may indicate a return to more traditional single-player or co-op experiences, appealing to core console gamers who value deep storytelling and long-form gameplay over persistent online mechanics.
The decision comes amid growing industry trends favoring exclusive content and reduced PC porting—evidenced by earlier reports that Sony is scaling back on PC releases, particularly for single-player titles. This could signal a deeper strategic realignment within Sony Interactive Entertainment to differentiate its first-party studios from cross-platform competitors. Bend Studio’s new direction may reflect internal creative priorities as well as external pressure to deliver unique exper
This shift could signal a broader industry trend where developers prioritize exclusive, high-quality single-player or co-op experiences to differentiate platforms amid increasing competition. The move may strengthen PlayStation’s appeal to dedicated console players who value narrative depth and technical polish, potentially slowing the erosion of console exclusivity. However, it risks alienating fans who expect sequels or cross-platform access, especially given the strong community around Days Gone. A comparable precedent is Naughty Dog’s decision to focus on original IPs like The Last of Us instead of continuing established franchises, which helped solidify its brand identity but also sparked fan frustration over missed sequels. If Bend Studio succeeds in delivering a compelling co-op title, it could inspire other studios to pursue similar paths, reinforcing Sony’s push for exclusivity. However, if the game underperforms or fails to meet expectations, it may fuel criticism of Sony’s e