Ranking Every PlayStation Developer From Worst To Best (2020)

Recent Release: Days Gone

Past Highlights: Syphon Filter series, Uncharted: Golden Abyss

In Development: Days Gone 2 (rumored)

Bend has had an interesting run as a studio. They began by making the infamously awful Bubsy 3D in 1996, only to prove their worth with PS1's Syphon Filter. As a result, they were snatched up as one of Sony's earliest North American purchases in 2000.

After that, they became a dedicated first-party supporter for Sony's doomed portable devices. Resistance: Retribution (for PSP) and Uncharted: Golden Abyss (for PS Vita) are peak titles for their specific portables, unfortunately, Sony lost interest in that arena... and Bend was left without a purpose.

So, they returned to console development with the horror/action game Days Gone. The rough edges and familiar open-world grind soured most critics, but with gamers, it was embraced and sold like hotcakes. The experience was sporting enough charm (a fantastic lead), and unique ideas (taking out Hordes) to earn it PS Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.

So, the studio sits in an enticing spot. It remains an underdog amongst its Sony compatriots, but with a whole new fanfare and reignited Sony support, the inevitable Days Gone 2 could be something really exciting.