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**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.

**Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Update Brings New Streamlined Mode for Players Desiring a Narrative Experience**

Five years after the launch of *Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade* on PlayStation 5, Square Enix is preparing to enhance the game with a complimentary update aimed at enriching the storytelling journey. Scheduled for release on January 22, this patch unveils a “streamlined” mode, designed for players who wish to deep dive into the narrative without engaging in the usual combat challenges.

This mode arrives just as the game is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S, sparking excitement among fans of the legendary RPG series. In a statement issued on January 15, Square Enix enthusiastically shared information about the forthcoming update. The streamlined progression feature will ensure characters maintain full HP and MP at all times and consistently inflict 9,999 damage with each attack. Consequently, every hit players deliver can mirror the iconic Omnislash move, effectively eliminating the need for extensive grinding to reach high damage levels.

The streamlined progression mode serves as a simplified story mode, perfect for players who are more focused on the journey of protagonist Cloud and his companions from Avalanche as they confront the corrupt Shinra Corporation. Instead of lowering the difficulty to easy, gamers can experience a more relaxed adventure where characters are automatically maximized regarding abilities and damage capacity.

This update is not limited to newcomers with the impending ports; current players on PC and PS5 will also gain from this addition, granting them a chance to complete the game on hard difficulty, potentially making the path to unlocking the Platinum trophy more attainable. Moreover, players who purchase the game digitally before the month concludes will receive a digital copy of the original *Final Fantasy VII*, increasing the value of their acquisition.

As anticipation builds for this update, both veteran players and newcomers have plenty to look forward to in the ever-evolving realm of *Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade*, ensuring that the cherished franchise remains captivating to audiences with its compelling storytelling and innovative gameplay enhancements.

**Mark Ffrench: Creator of Fill-a-Pix Logic Puzzles on Steam**

Mark Ffrench has made a significant mark on Steam by regularly launching complex fill-a-pix logic puzzle games that combine scale with intricacy. Prominent releases from 2024 feature *Proverbs*, a vast puzzle inspired by Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s artwork *Netherlandish Proverbs*, and *2024: Mosaic Retrospective*, showcasing intertwined images that represent key occurrences from that year. Most recently, Ffrench debuted *Mosaic of the Strange*, the most elaborate entry yet, fusing the fill-a-pix style with a pixelated point-and-click adventure format.

### Comprehending Fill-a-Pix Logic Puzzles

Fill-a-pix puzzles, which originated from Conceptis, require players to color specific cells in a grid according to the given numerical hints, following a logic akin to *Minesweeper*. Each number signifies how many cells should be colored within the adjacent three-by-three grid. For example, a “6” indicates all six neighboring cells are colored, while a “0” lets players rule out its connected nine cells. As players dive into the puzzles, they hone their ability to identify patterns and logical ties, which enriches their overall solving journey.

### The Distinctive Method of *Mosaic of the Strange*

Ffrench elevates the fill-a-pix idea by creating massive mosaics segmented into various puzzles. By solving these puzzles, players receive insights related to the central theme of each game. In *Proverbs*, players discover the proverbs illustrated in the artwork, while *2024* offers revelations about major worldwide events. Conversely, *Mosaic of the Strange* immerses players in the realm of conspiracies as they assume the roles of FBI agents unraveling a horrific murder case.

Players guide agents Cullen and Brady, who are thrown into a case enveloped in enigmatic circumstances surrounding the murder. Rather than tackling puzzles on a singular wall, players wander through various rooms, finding items that initiate interactions and conversations between characters. This mechanic breathes life into the gameplay, rendering it more immersive than conventional puzzle games. The ultimate objective entails solving 144 puzzles and gathering documents tied to unusual phenomena such as cryptids, UFOs, or mysterious disappearances, which players can attach to their office board.

### Captivating Story and Puzzle Experience

The narrative complexities of *Mosaic of the Strange* are enhanced by interactive dialogues that emerge from the found items. This richness transforms what could be a mere puzzle-solving session into an engrossing narrative adventure, boosting player involvement. Moreover, Ffrench includes context-sensitive hints and notifications for incorrect moves, crafting a user-friendly experience that serves both beginners and experienced players.

One of the remarkable aspects of *Mosaic of the Strange* is its customizable difficulty levels. Players can tailor their puzzle experience, from an easy “paint by numbers” style to intricate challenges similar to those in *Tametsi*. The ability to modify difficulty mid-game introduces an additional layer of fun, enabling players to approach puzzles at their own rhythm.

### Conclusion

*Mark Ffrench’s* *Mosaic of the Strange* represents an inventive fusion of logic puzzles and interactive storytelling that delivers an engaging experience for players, ensuring hours of entertainment for a reasonable price of $12. As his games continue to advance in this direction, the gaming community eagerly awaits Ffrench’s next creative project.