Sony Shuts Down First-Party Studio Dark Outlaw Games
Developer was founded by industry veteran Jason Blundell in March 2025
Sony Closes First-Party Studio Dark Outlaw Games
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the closure of Dark Outlaw Games, a first-party studio that was founded by industry veteran Jason Blundell in March 2025. The shutdown comes as a surprise to many in the gaming community, as the studio had only recently been established under the PlayStation umbrella. Sony confirmed the decision in a brief statement, citing a strategic realignment of its development resources as the primary reason behind the closure.
Dark Outlaw Games was led by Jason Blundell, a well-known figure in the gaming industry who previously made his name as a key creative force behind the popular Call of Duty Zombies mode during his long tenure at Treyarch. His departure from Activision and subsequent founding of a new studio under Sony's first-party banner had generated significant excitement among fans and industry observers alike, with many eager to see what his team would produce with PlayStation's backing and resources.
Details about what Dark Outlaw Games had been working on remain scarce. The studio had not publicly revealed any projects prior to the closure announcement, and it is unclear how far along any titles may have been in development. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that shifts in Sony's broader business strategy and ongoing cost-reduction efforts across the company played a significant role in the decision to shutter the studio before it could release its first game.
The closure of Dark Outlaw Games adds to a growing list of studio shutdowns and layoffs that have swept through the gaming industry in recent months. Sony itself has made several cuts across its first-party lineup as the company looks to streamline operations and focus on projects it considers most likely to deliver strong returns. Affected employees at Dark Outlaw Games are reportedly being offered opportunities to transition to other roles within PlayStation Studios, though it remains to be seen how many will ultimately stay within the organization.