Sony has shut down Dark Outlaw Games, the studio founded by Call of Duty veteran Jason Blundell. This closure comes just a year after the studio’s launch and only weeks after Sony closed its remaster experts at Bluepoint Games.
Reports of the shutdown first appeared on Resetera, revealing that Dark Outlaw was still in early development on an unannounced project. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier confirmed the news on Bluesky, noting that about 50 employees were impacted. A Sony spokesperson stated: “Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Business Group has made several strategic adjustments to support long-term sustainability. As part of this process, there were limited workforce reductions across select teams. We greatly appreciate the contributions of all those impacted.”
Why this matters for PlayStation players
This is the second first-party studio Sony has closed in just over a month, highlighting a shift toward tighter control over its internal development. Dark Outlaw Games never announced its first title, but with Blundell-renowned for his work on Call of Duty Zombies-leading the charge, expectations were high. Now, that project is cancelled, and PlayStation fans lose another promising exclusive.
For players, this means fewer fresh first-party experiments on the horizon. The closure suggests Sony is focusing more on established franchises and studios rather than taking risks on new teams or unproven ideas. If you were hoping for a new shooter or co-op game with Blundell’s unique touch, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Layoffs and industry impact
While exact numbers are unclear, estimates put layoffs at around 50 staff members. This follows a wider trend of job cuts and studio closures across the gaming industry in 2024, as publishers tighten budgets and prioritize proven brands. For developers, it’s a stark reminder of the volatility in AAA game development-even when led by industry veterans.
Speculation suggests this move could signal further belt-tightening at Sony, especially for teams without a hit or still in early development. With competition from Microsoft and Nintendo intensifying, every first-party investment is under scrutiny.
The bottom line
- Dark Outlaw Games is officially closed, and its debut project cancelled.
- PlayStation players miss out on a potential new IP from a Call of Duty legend.
- The closure indicates a more cautious approach by Sony toward first-party investments.
For now, PlayStation fans should expect fewer surprises and a stronger focus on established franchises. The era of big bets on new studios appears to be on hold.