PlayStation Fans Threaten Boycott After Bluepoint Games Shutdown
The recent closure of Bluepoint Games, the studio behind critically acclaimed remakes like Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus, has sparked outrage among PlayStation fans. The studio’s shutdown, attributed to financial decisions by Sony, has led to calls for a boycott of upcoming PlayStation titles, including the highly anticipated shooter Marathon.
The Marathon Boycott Movement
Even before its release on March 5th, Marathon, developed by Bungie, is facing potential backlash. Gamers are using the hashtag #BoycottMarathon and expressing their discontent on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some are even suggesting a broader boycott of Sony’s live-service games, arguing that the focus on these titles contributed to Bluepoint’s demise.
The core of the protest stems from Bluepoint’s cancellation of an online spin-off to God of War. Fans feel that Sony prioritizes ongoing service games over the high-quality, single-player remakes that Bluepoint excelled at.
Remakes vs. New IPs: A Divided Community
The controversy highlights a broader debate within the gaming community: the balance between remakes and original intellectual property. While some gamers champion the preservation and enhancement of classic titles, others argue for a greater emphasis on innovation and new experiences.
Interestingly, the backlash against Marathon comes despite a general trend of gamers often complaining about the sheer number of remakes released in recent years. Thousands of fans are actively participating in online discussions calling for the boycott of Bungie’s extraction shooter.
Bluepoint Games: A Legacy Cut Short
Bluepoint Games, established as a leading studio in game remakes, delivered critically acclaimed titles like the 2020 remake of Demon’s Souls for the PlayStation 5. This remake was a launch title for the PS5 and has sold 1.857 million copies as of 2022. The studio’s final game, Demon’s Souls, was also Bluepoint’s last project before its closure in 2026, following the integration of Japan Studio into Team Asobi.
The shutdown of Bluepoint Games marks the end of an era for the studio and raises questions about Sony’s long-term strategy for its PlayStation Studios.
Will the Boycott Succeed?
While the online outcry is significant, the actual impact on Marathon’s sales remains to be seen. History suggests that vocal online protests don’t always translate into substantial sales declines, as evidenced by similar situations with titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the boycott gains traction or fades away. The release of Marathon on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series will provide a clear indication of the community’s resolve.
Did you know?
Demon’s Souls, developed by Japan Studio and Bluepoint Games, was a remake of the original 2009 game created by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 3.
FAQ
Q: Why was Bluepoint Games shut down?
A: Bluepoint Games was shut down due to financial decisions made by Sony.
Q: What games did Bluepoint Games create?
A: Bluepoint Games is known for remakes of Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus.
Q: What is Marathon?
A: Marathon is an upcoming extraction shooter developed by Bungie.
Q: When is Marathon being released?
A: Marathon is scheduled for release on March 5th.
Q: What is the controversy surrounding Marathon?
A: Fans are threatening to boycott Marathon in protest of Bluepoint Games’ closure.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on social media and gaming news outlets for updates on the Marathon boycott and its potential impact.
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