Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed the closure of Bluepoint Games, the Austin-based studio renowned for creating high-quality remakes of PlayStation classics. The decision affects roughly 70 employees and follows what a PlayStation spokesperson described as “a recent business review.” The studio will officially shut down in March 2026.
Founded in 2006, Bluepoint Games built a reputation over nearly two decades for technical excellence in remastering and remaking classic titles. The studio’s portfolio includes critically acclaimed projects such as Shadow of the Colossus, Demon’s Souls, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, and God of War Collection. Sony acquired Bluepoint in September 2021, shortly after the successful launch of the Demon’s Souls remake as a PlayStation 5 exclusive.
Following the acquisition, Bluepoint contributed to God of War Ragnarök before being assigned to develop a live-service title set in the God of War universe. That project was canceled in January 2025 as Sony scaled back its live-service ambitions after the failure of titles like Concord. The studio spent the following year pitching new concepts but was unable to secure approval for another production before the closure decision was made.
Sony’s Studio Acquisition Record: A Data-Driven Analysis
Examining 11 studio purchases since 2019 and their outcomes
The Numbers Behind Sony’s Studio Strategy
Acquisition Timeline: 2019-2026
All 11 Acquisitions: Current Status
Studio Status Distribution
Key Findings
The closure announcement was covered in recent technology industry developments, alongside other significant changes affecting the gaming sector. The PlayStation division continues operations with remaining first-party studios while adapting to what leadership described as “an increasingly challenging industry environment.”
According to internal communications reviewed by media outlets, PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst stated that “rising development costs, slowed industry growth, changing player behavior, and broader economic headwinds are making it harder to build games sustainably.” The message was sent to staff following the closure decision.
The 11 studio acquisitions between 2019 and 2023 represented a significant expansion period for Sony Interactive Entertainment. Three studios have now closed, five operate in uncertain capacity, and three continue active development on announced projects. Related coverage of technology sector restructuring has examined similar patterns across the industry.
For the approximately 70 Bluepoint employees affected, Sony indicated it would attempt to find opportunities within its global studio network where possible. The studio’s final day of operations is scheduled for March 2026. Additional context on industry changes can be found through coverage of technology company strategic shifts and workforce impacts affecting the sector.
