So why exactly is Sony not working on Days Gone 2?

Another significant factor in Sony's decision is the game's sales pattern. Although Days Gone sold well overall, most of its sales came after substantial price drops, indicating that it didn't perform as strongly at full retail price. Sony might have taken this as a sign that, while the game eventually found an audience, it might not have the strong initial impact that typically justifies a sequel.

Insights from the leaks involving Insomniac reveal more about Bend Studio's direction post-Days Gone. The studio was reportedly working on early prototypes for a Days Gone sequel and a new Uncharted title. However, after being asked to choose, the studio ultimately moved forward with a different project - a brand new IP that may be released sometime in 2025.

The decision not to develop Days Gone 2 also reflects Sony's trust and investment in its studios. While Days Gone was Bend Studio's first console title in nearly two decades, Sony saw Kojima Productions' Death Stranding as a safer bet.

Interestingly enough, Bend Studio's decision to move away from Days Gone 2 aligns with recent concerns about how new intellectual properties have become increasingly rare, especially in the AAA space. Thankfully, the company's next project is a new IP, which signals Sony's trust in its desire to explore fresh ideas and concepts. Hopefully, this approach, while risky, can lead to innovative and groundbreaking games that push the boundaries of the medium.

The good news is that Days Gone is a Sony IP. This means that the console manufacturer can revisit it anytime in the future, whether with Bend Studio or not. It isn't impossible to dream up a scenario where Days Gone, like Alan Wake before it, sees its studio make other award-winning games before circling back to where it all started for them. Better yet, what if Bend Studio gets trusted to create a Days Gone video game universe? Of course, it probably wouldn't be a live-service title given Sony's decision to backtrack on the genre. Then again, who knows?

As for Days Gone, it's currently available to play on Steam with mod support.