Bluepoint Games is reportedly set to close following an internal decision by PlayStation Studios leadership.
According to a leaked internal memo attributed to Hermen Hulst, the closure is being blamed on an “increasingly challenging industry environment.” The shutdown was first reported on February 19, and while Sony has not issued a formal public announcement, the closure is expected to be finalized in March 2026.
Leadership Cites Rising Costs and Industry Pressure
In the internal communication, Hulst reportedly pointed to several contributing factors:
- Rising game development costs
- Slowed growth across the industry
- Changing player behavior
- Broader economic headwinds
According to leadership, these pressures are making it harder to sustain long-term development at scale. Hulst reportedly described Bluepoint as an “incredibly talented team” that delivered “exceptional experiences,” even as the decision was communicated internally.
From Acquisition to Closure
Sony acquired Bluepoint in 2021 following the success of its Demon’s Souls remake for PlayStation 5. The studio was widely recognized for high-quality remasters and remakes prior to the acquisition.
Reports indicate that a live-service project in development at Bluepoint was canceled in January 2025. After that cancellation, the studio spent roughly a year evaluating new pitches but did not ship a title as a PlayStation-owned studio before the closure decision.
Staff Impact and Relocation Efforts
Multiple Bluepoint employees have publicly signaled on LinkedIn that they are seeking new roles. The studio was previously reported to have a headcount exceeding 70 employees.
Hulst reportedly stated that PlayStation will attempt to relocate some affected staff internally, though no specific figures have been confirmed.
Part of a Broader Industry Pattern
The reported closure follows a period of restructuring and layoffs across several major publishers since 2024. Increasing budgets, shifting monetization strategies, and post-pandemic market corrections have created volatility across the industry.
Bluepoint’s shutdown is being viewed by many observers as another sign of continued recalibration within major first-party portfolios.
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