Days Gone was an underrated first-party game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. The game initially received mixed reviews at launch given the technical problems and frame rate issues and did not live up to the standards that other first-party franchises have set.
Public opinion about the game has shifted later on and the gaming community is begging Sony to greenlight a sequel. However, the company has shown no indication of giving the franchise a second chance and instructed the developers to work on a new ambitious multiplayer project snuffing out hope.
A Days Gone Sequel Could Have Happened if the Gaming Community ‘Supposedly’ Supported the First Game
Bend Studio was not given the same luxury as other first-party game developers that operate under the PlayStation Studios banner.
The gaming community was upset to see Sony supposedly forget about the open-world zombie franchise and order a new multiplayer game from the developers. Some fans hope to see the project be a spiritual successor to Days Gone and avoid other live service norms.
The disappointment of the fans is nowhere near the heartbreak of the directors. Jeff Ross and John Garvin left the studio as they were unhappy with the treatment they received from Sony. The fans may not want a sequel without the original directors at the helm.
If more launch reviews for #daysgone had been like this there might have been a sequel … and before the haters can pour in like contaminated rain through a tear in the tarp, this review is talking about shit that didn’t change from launch until now… https://t.co/4k30aQvxxj
— John Garvin (@John_Garvin) August 2, 2024
This kind of response from a game director is unusual and unprofessional, Garvin has a point. Sony often relies on review scores and public opinion to determine whether a project has met certain expectations and if the game is worthy of a full-blown franchise that could generate sequels and spinoff games.
The game was released at the worst state possible making it unplayable for early reviewers and the performance issues gave them everything they needed to conclude their final review. Despite all the problems, the game gained a strong following from the gaming community which does not mind seeing the story carry on in a sequel, especially with the cliffhanger ending.
Garvin Thinks the Gaming Community Could Have Forced Sony’s Hand to Greenlight Days Gone 2
Jeff Ross has brought up information regarding a potential sequel, but his words were the final nail in the coffin. The director revealed that Hermen Hulst was never a fan of the game, and the odds of a sequel went from low to zero now that Hulst is the new head of PlayStation Studios.
It is easy to point fingers after things deviate from what developers intended. Garvin is still bitter about everything that transpired and has yet to move on from his passion project being crushed due to the lack of support from both sides which is an unfortunate hand to be dealt with.
The game had potential and the gaming community was upset with the initial version they received. Bend Studio worked to fix all the problems and gave the community a smooth experience. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done.
Sony owns the IP and can always return whenever the company sees fit. Perhaps Garvin and Ross will be invited back to finish what they have started and give Deacon the sequel he deserves.
Would you like a Days Gone sequel? Let us know in the comments section below!
