Why was Days Gone 2 cancelled?

Why was Days Gone 2 Cancelled?

Days Gone, an action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio, was released in 2019 to mixed reviews. Despite its lukewarm reception, the game still managed to attract a dedicated fan base. However, in 2022, it was announced that Days Gone 2 was cancelled. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the cancellation of the sequel.

Lack of Critical Acclaim

One of the primary reasons for the cancellation of Days Gone 2 was the lack of critical acclaim for the first game. Although the game received positive reviews from some critics, the overall Metacritic score was 71, indicating a mixed response. This lukewarm reception may have led Sony to reevaluate the potential for a sequel.

Poor Sales

Another significant factor that contributed to the cancellation of Days Gone 2 was the poor sales of the first game. Despite being a PlayStation 4 exclusive, the game failed to generate significant revenue. This poor performance may have led Sony to question the viability of a sequel.

Competition from Other Games

The gaming industry is highly competitive, and Days Gone faced stiff competition from other games in the same genre. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us Part II received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, making it challenging for Days Gone to stand out.

Development Challenges

Bend Studio faced significant development challenges while working on Days Gone. The game was originally intended to be a PlayStation 3 game, but it was delayed and eventually released on the PlayStation 4. This delay may have led to increased development costs and a longer development cycle, which could have impacted the game’s overall quality.

Lack of Innovation

Days Gone was criticized for lacking innovation in its gameplay mechanics. The game’s combat and exploration systems were seen as unoriginal and lacking depth. This lack of innovation may have made it difficult for the game to stand out in a crowded market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cancellation of Days Gone 2 was likely due to a combination of factors, including the lack of critical acclaim, poor sales, competition from other games, development challenges, and a lack of innovation. While the game had its fans, it failed to generate significant revenue or critical acclaim, making it a challenging sell for Sony.

What Could Have Been Done Differently

In hindsight, here are some things that could have been done differently to potentially save the game:

• Improved Gameplay Mechanics: The game’s combat and exploration systems could have been improved to make the game more engaging and innovative.
• Stronger Marketing Campaign: A stronger marketing campaign could have helped to generate more buzz and excitement around the game.
• Better Storytelling: The game’s story could have been improved to make it more compelling and memorable.
• More Diverse Gameplay: The game could have included more diverse gameplay mechanics to appeal to a wider audience.

Table: Days Gone Sales and Critical Reception

References

• "Days Gone Review". IGN. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
• "Days Gone Sales". Steam Spy. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
• "Days Gone 2 Cancelled". PlayStation LifeStyle. Retrieved 2022-02-20.

Note: The table and references provided are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the actual sales and critical reception of the game.