The gaming community was dealt a heavy blow recently as Jeff Ross, former Game Director at Bend Studio, revealed that the highly anticipated sequel to Days Gone, was cancelled. In a heartfelt admission, Ross stated that had the sequel not been scrapped, Days Gone 2 would have already been in the hands of eager gamers by now.
Days Gone, released in 2019, was developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation 4. It quickly captivated players with its post-apocalyptic Oregon setting. Two years have passed since a devastating pandemic in the game turned a significant part of humanity into savage, zombie-like creatures. The Windows version was later made available in May 2021.
According to Ross, Sony appears to have shown indifference to the prospects of a Days Gone sequel. This has been a major point of contention and disappointment for Ross and the original team, considering the potential for expanding the unique world they created. Over 90 people from the original Bend Studio team have left since Days Gone’s development, further complicating the prospects of a sequel.
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Ross has been particularly disappointed by PlayStation Showcase events, which serve as a poignant reminder of the missed opportunities for Days Gone 2. In his view, the sequel could have materialized if all those involved had remained committed. This suggests internal disagreements may have played a significant part in the sequel’s cancellation.
Ross did not disclose specific details about the planned narrative for Days Gone 2 but did hint at exciting possibilities for the sequel. He mentioned a desire to double down on the game’s intricate systems and world simulation, with a focus on fostering emergent gameplay. This certainly whets the appetite for what could have been an exceptional sequel to a well-received game.
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Responding to speculation from fans, Ross squashed hopes of Xbox salvaging the project. He believes Sony would not permit such a move. Additionally, he pointed out that Xbox already has a unique and highly praised series, State of Decay, which offers a different but equally brilliant post-apocalyptic gaming experience.
Since his tenure at Bend Studio, Ross has transitioned into new roles within the gaming industry. He moved on to NetherRealm Studios as a Design Manager in December 2020, before taking up a position as Design Director at Crystal Dynamics in February 2022. Despite his professional progress, his recent comments suggest that Days Gone 2 remains a cherished project that, unfortunately, we may never get to see.