Bend Studio’s Next Game: Leaked Details and Speculations
Recent leaks suggest that Bend Studio, the Sony-owned developer behind Days Gone, is working on a new modern military-themed game. While information is limited, the leaked screenshots offer hints about the game’s potential mechanics, setting, and genre.
Background on Bend Studio
- Founded in 1992: Known for early works like Bubsy 3D and the Syphon Filter series.
- Sony Subsidiary Since 2000: Developed notable PlayStation-exclusive titles like Resistance: Retribution and Uncharted: Golden Abyss.
- Days Gone (2019): Their most ambitious project to date, Days Gone was an open-world zombie survival game that polarized critics but gained a cult following, especially after its PC port.
While Days Gone is unlikely to receive a sequel, Bend Studio is now focused on creating a new IP, leveraging their experience with open-world systems and innovative gameplay.
What We Know About the New Game
Leaked Screenshots and Details
- Source: Leaks come from an anonymous UI designer who worked at Bend Studio between 2022 and March 2024. The images were archived and shared online.
- Game Features:
- Third-Person Shooter: The leaked images suggest the game will have a third-person perspective, similar to Days Gone.
- Open-World Mechanics: As with their previous title, the new game will likely feature expansive environments and systemic gameplay.
- Military Theme: The game seems to adopt a modern military setting, focusing on combat, strategy, and possibly tactical multiplayer elements.
- Live-Service Elements:
- Screenshots hint at live-service features, including:
- A “Rank” room for progression tracking.
- A “Wardrobe” room suggesting customization options for characters.
- Crafting and XP Systems to enhance weapons and skills.
- Polygonal objects in the images appear to represent cover mechanics, hinting at arena-focused multiplayer gameplay.
- Screenshots hint at live-service features, including:
Speculation About the Game’s Nature
- Live-Service Multiplayer:
- The leaked UI elements suggest the game could lean heavily into live-service mechanics, potentially featuring PvP or co-op modes.
- This aligns with Sony’s broader push toward live-service titles to complement its strong single-player portfolio.
- Syphon Filter Revival?
- Fans have speculated this could be a reboot or continuation of Bend Studio’s classic Syphon Filter franchise. The military theme and tactical elements seem fitting, though no official connection has been confirmed.
Inspiration from Days Gone
- The game seems to build upon systems introduced in Days Gone, such as crafting and open-world exploration. However, it appears to shift away from the zombie theme in favor of modern military gameplay.
Potential Announcement at The Game Awards
With The Game Awards 2024 approaching, there’s speculation that Bend Studio could reveal its next project during the event. Given the hype surrounding the leaks, an official teaser or announcement could generate significant buzz.
Conclusion: A Bold New Direction for Bend Studio
While the leaks provide only a glimpse, Bend Studio’s next project appears to be a significant departure from Days Gone. With its focus on military themes, potential live-service elements, and open-world gameplay, the new game could mark a fresh chapter for the studio. Fans will eagerly await official confirmation, especially given the rumors of a connection to the beloved Syphon Filter franchise.
For now, the community can only speculate, but the prospect of Bend Studio blending its open-world expertise with modern military storytelling is an exciting one.