Days Gone 2 may not be in the works, but Bend Studio is currently busy with other, no less exciting projects for the PlayStation 5. According to the head of PlayStation Studios Hermen Hulst, the devs are working on a “great new concept,” that demands heavy staff expansion.
We already know that Bend has begun work on a new IP after the studio’s pitch for a Days Gone co-op sequel wasn’t approved by Sony. In March 2021, studio management asked Sony to tackle a new project instead of an Uncharted follow-up, and the request was approved. While information regarding the team's next project is still extremely scarce, we now know the upcoming title will be no less ambitious than Days Gone and Uncharted, and perhaps much more original.
The new clues come straight from Hulst himself, who reacted on Twitter to a recent post by Bend Studio calling for talented developers who want to be “a part of the exciting future of PlayStation Studios.”
A “great new concept Bend Studio is working on” right now, Hulst added, once again raising the bar for the fan expectations – and our own curiosity to learn more as soon as possible.
Ultimately, the statement doesn’t add much to what we already know about Bend Studio’s next project, but Bend is expanding. Previously Hulst said the devs are building on the deep open-world systems established with Days Gone, and they’re “very passionate about it.”
Another hint from Bend’s past job listings says that the “next high-profile AAA game” will have some sort of multiplayer functionality, though it’s unclear whether an online component will play a major role, or if it'll be an extra mode outside of the main experience.
As for Days Gone 2, some folks still believe the game has a chance at happening. Fans are not giving up their hopes for the follow-up, creating multiple petitions on the net with thousands of people supporting the idea. Nevertheless, according to sources in contact with Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, the potential sequel is not in any form of development for better or worse.