Sony has seen mostly success with its exclusives since the PS5’s launch, with Final Fantasy 16 looking like its next big hit when it launches in June. However, that doesn’t mean some titles don’t get canceled. Insider @bogorad222 on Twitter revealed that the publisher cancelled Rocket Arena developer Final Strike Games’ unannounced sci-fi shooter.
It’s unknown if this is the same “unannounced AAA PvP shooter” that the company is hiring for on its official site. Reportedly planned for PS5 and PC, it was in development for three years but still two away from shipping. If that weren’t enough, Final Strike also apparently saw a 40 percent reduction in headcount. A screenshot of former software engineer Ahmed Khalifa’s job profile was shared, indicating that the layoffs happened today.
Regarding the source who shared the cancellation news, @bogorad222 said it was private, but that the replay was shared with Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson. Stay tuned for updates on that front.
The layoffs and project cancellation arrive in the wake of Sony shutting down Concrete Genie developer Pixelopus. Given PlayStation independent developer head Shuhei Yoshida’s comment on the company cancelling “so many games,” one has to wonder what spurred this decision.
Sony has canceled an unannounced sci-fi shooter at Final Strike Games.
The game was in development for 3 years. (Was 2 years away from shipping)
Platforms were PS5 and PC— Timur222 (@bogorad222) May 10, 2023
source: Developed who was laid off the from the studio
The company had a 40% reduction of headcount— Timur222 (@bogorad222) May 10, 2023
I've sent the reply from the dev to Tom Henderson
And yeah it's private— Timur222 (@bogorad222) May 10, 2023
FYI the layoffs at Final Strike Games happened today. pic.twitter.com/Qk212Oxb6Z
— Timur222 (@bogorad222) May 10, 2023
