Sony Shuts Down Bluepoint | Backlash Against Leadership Grows
Edited By
Clara Evers
Sony's recent decision to close its Texas division, Bluepoint Games, has sparked a wave of frustration and disbelief within the gaming community. This announcement came unexpectedly during the recording of the latest episode of Sacred Symbols on February 20, 2026, raising questions about the handling of Sony's first-party games and the future of PlayStation Studios.
Bluepoint, known for its remakes and ports, was seen as a valuable asset to Sony. Commenters voiced their anger, with one saying, "I still can't believe they closed down Bluepoint." Critics place responsibility for this decision on leadership, particularly Hermen Hulst, the head of PlayStation Studios, who remains in his position despite numerous failures. "All my homies hate Hermen Hulst," commented one forum user, reflecting the sentiment among many.
What's Going Wrong at Sony?
The controversy surrounding Bluepoint's closure highlights underlying issues within Sony's first-party strategy. While the PlayStation 5 enjoys commercial success, fans are questioning the direction of its game development. "If this was about trimming fat, then this is all around horrible, horrible process by Hulst," said a user, pointing to the mismanagement of resources and projects.
Several people expressed concerns regarding the trend of established teams focusing on similar projects. One commenter lamented, "It’s not just Herman, it’s the entire way economics works now. This is destroying gaming and art in general." This consensus reflects a broader discontent with Sony's approach to game development.
Future Prospects for PlayStation
Rumors are swirling around the potential timeline for PlayStation 6 and upcoming titles from notable studios like Santa Monica. Hints at delays are casting doubt on Sony's strategic vision moving forward. Moreover, the recent deal with McFarlane Toys for the Sony toy license adds another layer of intrigue.
Amid these discussions, questions arise about the viability of upcoming projects, with one user sarcastically referencing the incorporation of live service models: "You just wait, Media Molecule will announce a live service game and we will realize that is the only reason they are still open."
Key Takeaways
🔴 Sony's closure of Bluepoint Games raises questions about first-party strategy.
🔵 Leadership under Hermen Hulst faces intense criticism from gaming communities.
🟢 Future projects, including PlayStation 6 timelines, remain uncertain amid backlash.
Expect more updates regarding Sony's direction and responses from the community as this situation develops. It seems that sentiments are running deep among gamers regarding the choices being made at the top.
Expecting Shifts in Strategy
There’s a strong chance Sony will reassess its first-party strategy following Bluepoint's closure. Critics within the gaming community are vocal, with a growing consensus that top leadership needs a shake-up. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that new talent will be brought in to rejuvenate management. If problems persist, fans might witness more restructuring within PlayStation Studios, focusing on diversifying game genres and fostering creative risks. As PlayStation 5's current success hangs in the balance, the pressure is mounting to not only revive fan interest but also restore credibility.
A Throwback to the Film Strikes
Taking a cue from the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, Sony’s current turmoil echoes times when artists banded together to advocate for change in creative direction within industry giants. The strike brought attention to issues in production, similar to the backlash facing Sony now. Just like filmmakers of the past who called for a reevaluation of writing standards, gamers are making their voices heard against perceived mismanagement. This parallel underscores the importance of following through with community feedback in creative industries and serves as a reminder that by valuing artistic integrity, companies can ultimately restore faith from their audience.