**The Status of PlayStation Studios: A Review of Recent Acquisitions and Obstacles**
In 2019, PlayStation took a major step forward by acquiring Insomniac Games, the creator of the cherished *Spider-Man* series. This represented a crucial juncture, as it was the company’s first acquisition of a game studio in almost ten years. This initial investment formed part of a broader initiative that saw PlayStation snap up ten additional studios over the subsequent four years, indicating an effort to bolster its portfolio and seize an even greater portion of the gaming industry. Nevertheless, as of February 2026, the outcomes of this acquisition surge have been rather disappointing, underscored by the closure of Bluepoint Games and a widespread inability to effectively transition into live-service gaming.
Reports dated February 19, 2026, from *Kotaku* and *Bloomberg* indicated that Sony opted to shut down Bluepoint Games, a studio it had acquired in 2021. The studio was well-liked for its remastering endeavors, including a successful remake of *Demon’s Souls* that featured in the PlayStation 5 launch lineup. Unfortunately, following that initial triumph, Bluepoint found it challenging to follow through with new ventures. A live-service iteration of *God of War* was abandoned, and none of the studio’s pitches gained any momentum. As a result, Bluepoint Games ceased operations, leaving its 75 staff members unemployed.
This circumstance has not been singular. PlayStation’s recent acquisition strategy has been riddled with various hurdles. Below is a recap of the other studios bought since 2019, their existing conditions, and the latest happenings:
1. **Insomniac Games** – Acquired in 2019, the studio faced layoffs in February 2024 but is poised to release *Wolverine* this year.
2. **Housemarque** – Acquired in 2021; the studio is successfully debuting its new game, *Saros*, on PS5 this year.
3. **Nixxes Software** – Acquired in 2021; has been an active support studio for different titles such as *Horizon* and *Helldivers 2*.
4. **Firesprite** – Acquired in 2021; underwent layoffs in February 2024 and most recently launched *Horizon Call of the Mountain* for PSVR2 in 2023.
5. **Fabrik Games** – Acquired in 2021; part of Firesprite and has had no releases since 2017.
6. **Bluepoint Games** – Acquired in 2021; closed in February 2026, with its final release being *Demon’s Souls* in 2020.
7. **Valkyrie Entertainment** – Acquired in 2021; has not had a game release since 2015 but contributed to *Concord* in 2024.
8. **Haven Studios** – Acquired in 2022; still yet to release a game and is developing the delayed live-service title *Fairgames*.
9. **Bungie** – Acquired in 2022; has experienced layoffs but is set to release *Marathon* this year following delays.
10. **Neon Koi** – Acquired in 2022; the studio shut down in 2024 after failing to deliver a live-service mobile project it had envisioned.
11. **Firewalk Studios** – Acquired in 2023; launched *Concord* in 2024, which failed shortly after debut, resulting in the studio’s closure later that same year.
While a select few studios, like Insomniac and Housemarque, have flourished, a considerable number have either struggled or completely shut down. The trend presents a bleak outlook: three studios have closed soon after acquisition, with others not managing to deliver meaningful new titles. Some, such as *Concord*, debuted only to be terminated following weak performance, indicating a troubled path for PlayStation as it endeavors to adapt to the live-service paradigm.
The overarching storyline indicates a tumultuous period for PlayStation, facing substantial obstacles arising from its aggressive acquisition strategy. Numerous studios were directed to pivot towards live-service models, which often resulted in setbacks. This chaotic environment has culminated in layoffs, budget decreases, and studio closures.
For staff members in these studios—especially those not involved in high-profile projects like *Wolverine* or *Saros*—there’s a palpable sense of unease regarding their employment. The once optimistic perspective for PlayStation, rich with resources and promising franchises, now seems clouded by potential instability and the challenges tied to a transforming gaming landscape.
