Sony Group Corp. Has announced the closure of Bluepoint Games, the critically acclaimed studio responsible for the remakes of Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus. The decision, confirmed by PlayStation representatives, will impact approximately 70 employees when the studio officially ceases operations next month. This marks the end of an era for the PlayStation subsidiary, known for its meticulous and visually stunning game remakes.
The shutdown comes after a period of uncertainty for Bluepoint Games. According to reporting from Bloomberg, the studio was previously developing a live-service God of War game, a project that was ultimately canceled in January 2025. Following the cancellation, Bluepoint spent the following year pitching new game concepts to Sony, but was unable to secure approval for a new project before the decision to close the studio was made. The closure of Bluepoint Games too represents the final game developed by Japan Studio before its integration into Team Asobi, as noted in documentation for Demon’s Souls.
Bluepoint’s Legacy of Remakes
Founded in 2006 by former Retro Studios employees, Bluepoint Games quickly established itself as a leading force in game remakes and remasters. The studio initially focused on collections of existing PlayStation titles, including the God of War Collection, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. They also provided support on ports of games like PlayStation All-Stars, Flower, and Titanfall.
However, Bluepoint’s reputation was cemented with the release of their 2018 remake of Shadow of the Colossus, a visually breathtaking and critically lauded reimagining of the PlayStation 2 classic. This success was followed by the 2020 remake of Demon’s Souls, a launch title for the PlayStation 5 that showcased the console’s graphical capabilities and became a benchmark for next-generation gaming. As of 2022, Demon’s Souls had sold 1.857 million copies, demonstrating the commercial success of Bluepoint’s approach to remakes [Wikipedia].
Sony’s Acquisition and Subsequent Closure
Sony acquired Bluepoint Games in 2021, signaling a clear intent to leverage the studio’s expertise in remakes and remasters. Following the acquisition, Bluepoint contributed to the co-development of God of War Ragnarok, but did not announce or release any new standalone titles.
“Bluepoint Games is an incredibly talented team and their technical expertise has delivered exceptional experiences for the PlayStation community,” a PlayStation spokesperson told Bloomberg. “We thank them for their passion, creativity and craftmanship.”
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The closure of Bluepoint Games is being felt throughout the gaming industry. The studio’s dedication to quality and its ability to revitalize classic titles have earned it a devoted fanbase. The loss of such a talented team raises questions about the future of high-quality remakes and the direction of Sony’s PlayStation Studios. The news has sparked discussion on Reddit [r/gaming], with many expressing disappointment and concern about the industry trend of studio closures.
The decision to shutter Bluepoint Games underscores the challenges faced by smaller studios within large corporations, even those with a proven track record of success. The cancellation of the live-service God of War project and the subsequent inability to secure funding for a new title highlight the risks associated with relying on a single, large-scale project.
Looking ahead, the gaming landscape will continue to evolve, with a growing emphasis on live-service games and expansive open-world experiences. The absence of Bluepoint Games leaves a void in the market for meticulously crafted remakes that honor the legacy of classic titles. The future remains uncertain, but the impact of Bluepoint’s work will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
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