PlayStation fans wondering what Days Gone developer Bend Studio will be doing next get some more answers, as PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst has confirmed a few details on the studio’s next project. While it will not be related to Days Gone, his description indicates that it may appeal to the same audience.
Fans have been waiting on concrete information regarding Bend Studio’s new game for some time now. While the studio was supposedly working on an Uncharted project, that game was scrapped. A pitch for Days Gone 2 was also rejected by Sony, something that has led to a massive movement for such a game to become a reality. If a Days Gone sequel ever does happen, it will be after Bend releases its new IP, as the new project will likely be a massive undertaking for the developer.
Hermen Hulst revealed details on the game in a massive interview with PlayStation Blog, with major pieces of news like Horizon Forbidden West’s release window and God of War’s delay discussed. According to Hulst, Bend is “very passionate about” its next game. Confirming that it has “deep open world systems” for gamers to enjoy, Hulst makes sure to clarify that this is a new IP. As such, it will not be set within the Days Gone universe, with players instead being thrust into a brand-new world.
At the same time, Hulst does clarify that it has some of the same “systems” that were developed alongside Day Gone. While he does not clarify which systems these are, players may be fighting hordes of enemies like Days Gone’s Freakers inside this new game. While they will likely not be Zombies, as the game could have anything from a fantasy to a sci-fi setting, a mechanic that sees dozens of enemies on-screen could be making a return. Hulst also confirms that this game will be open world like Days Gone, though no details are given on the scale of the world itself.
With Hulst mentioning the similar systems to Days Gone, it is possible that elements from the rejected Days Gone 2 pitch could make it into the new IP. Outlined by director Jeff Ross, the sequel would have featured co-op play, with gamers trying to survive and build up a base together. While Sony may not have been intrigued by the notion of more Days Gone, it could have found this possible multiplayer component appealing. Still, with the Days Gone-like features unconfirmed, this is purely speculation.
While Hulst states that he is “happy” for Bend, it will be interesting to see how fans react to the confirmation of this new IP. With so many signatures on the Days Gone 2 petition, many fans might have preferred to see that game as opposed to something entirely fresh.
Days Gone is available now on PC and PS4.
Source: PlayStation Blog