Days Gone 2 – Could a Potential Remaster Make a Sequel a Reality?

As a long-time fan of open-world games, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement when I hear about potential enhancements to games like Days Gone. Having spent countless hours exploring the post-apocalyptic landscape of this game, I can attest to its potential for improvement.

Despite their quality, even video games like Gravity Rush, created by Arkane Austin, or the Sega Dreamcast console itself, can face failure due to factors such as low sales, inadequate execution, intense competition, or challenges in making a profit. Regardless of how good these games, studios, or consoles are, they may still falter for various reasons.

In contrast to the situations you’ve mentioned, “Days Gone” and its dedicated fanbase find themselves navigating this very reality. However, unlike those instances, “Days Gone” was commercially successful, introduced innovative ideas within the open-world genre, and is developed by Bend Studio – a team known for their ability to produce high-quality games. This team, as demonstrated in “Days Gone”, has shown they can create the game they envisioned making.

After Sony’s September State of Play event, there was no hint of the distinctive motorcycle exhaust fumes associated with “Days Gone”, despite strong rumors suggesting a PS5 remaster was imminent. These whispers started subtly, as they often do. In response to a comment about another game, Video Games Chronicle host Jordan Middler engaged in a conversation with Jeff Grubb from the Game Mess Mornings podcast, who hinted at a less exciting game than “Horizon Zero Dawn” being lined up for remaster, possibly to be announced during September’s State of Play. Middler’s response to Grubb seemed to imply that former creative director of Bend Studio, John Garvin, would find this description unsatisfactory, given his displeasure over the use of Deacon St. John’s image to promote “Astro Bot”.

It’s possible that Grubb was discussing other games being remastered instead of Days Gone; if so, it would be disappointing. However, it might also be that he received incorrect information. Whatever the reason for his statement, it had no connection to Days Gone. We didn’t receive any news: not about a remaster, remake, upgraded version, or, as seems less and less likely, a sequel.

Back in June 2024, before rumors about Days Gone 2 surfaced during State of Play, Bend Studio’s community manager Kevin McAllister apologized to fans of Days Gone. He stated that they had been given false hope and misinformation by people seeking attention, without naming any specific individuals. As a result, it’s clear that nothing new is being developed for the series, and a sequel is not on the horizon. It’s unfair to suggest otherwise, as fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling adventure through zombie-infested Oregon.

Is it puzzling why Sony appears to be keeping such a distance from another installment of the game “Days Gone,” especially given its impressive 7 million-unit sales, dedicated fanbase eager for more, and a nail-biting ending that screams for a continuation? Despite the game’s initial criticism due to numerous bugs and glitches upon release, these issues have largely been addressed. It could be that in this era where Sony is still exploring live-service opportunities, “Days Gone 2” might simply be on hold. However, it’s important to note that no official work is being done on the sequel. Bend Studio, currently engaged in developing a AAA live-service open world game, follows a trend seen with studios like Remedy and “Alan Wake II,” where sequels can emerge years after their predecessors. So, if there ever comes a “Days Gone” sequel, would an upgraded version of the original help or hurt its reception?

Days Gone 2 – Could a Potential Remaster Make a Sequel a Reality?

It’s important to mention upfront that a PlayStation 5 (PS5) version of Days Gone already exists, offering performance up to 60 frames per second with dynamic 4K resolution. While a PS5 Pro edition might seem unlikely compared to a remake or remaster at this juncture, it isn’t entirely out of the question. Instead, an enhanced edition that falls between a remaster and a remake could be quite popular, although it may still be a bit speculative as of now.

In a surprising turn of events, the highly-anticipated remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn, initially met with criticism but now showing signs of approval, is not just upgrading its graphics to match its sequel’s level. It has also significantly overhauled over ten hours of dialogue, enhanced motion capture technology, and upgraded character models and animations.

If the hypothetical enhanced edition of “Days Gone” is developed, here’s one way it might be enriched: Instead of a simple remaster, many aspects could be significantly upgraded. For instance, character interactions could be broadened, not just for characters like Boozer or Copeland, but also for random NPCs living in camps. This would increase immersion by providing more dialogue options. The current weapon progression system might need a revamp as well, to offer more build variety and cater to different playstyles. Furthermore, each camp could be made more faction-like, allowing for interactions among themselves rather than just being isolated settlements.

In 2021, Jeff Ross, the game director from Bend Studio, hinted at the concept of cooperative play for Days Gone that was put on hold likely for a potential sequel. To clarify, Ross suggested they could reuse the game’s assets and systems to create a multiplayer version of this world, featuring characters like Deacon trying to survive and forming a clubhouse or crew. This idea aligns well with an enhanced or remastered edition. If there’s one way to enhance the game’s memorable horde battles, it would be by allowing players to join forces for a more collaborative experience.

Days Gone 2 – Could a Potential Remaster Make a Sequel a Reality?

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the potential for significant improvements in Days Gone. Once all the technical glitches have been addressed and a solid foundation has been established, I firmly believe this game has the potential to soar even higher. If Sony decides to release an enhanced version of Days Gone, I won’t be surprised if it becomes a commercial success. The possibility of an upgrade path, similar to other remasters, would undoubtedly make it more appealing to both current and new players alike.

The impact of public reviews significantly contributed to the decline of “Days Gone.” Regardless of any past concerns Sony may have had with the former creative director at Bend Studio, they seem insignificant now if they played a role in Sony’s decision to cease production of additional “Days Gone” content. It’s also worth noting that the choice not to proceed with “Days Gone 2” was reportedly made internally by the remaining developers at Bend Studio. There appears to be some tension between Bend and Sony, although we may never fully understand its extent. While it might have been premature to call “Days Gone” a failure initially, it has since gained a cult following. It hasn’t failed, but rather found a dedicated audience. Ultimately, financial success is what matters most, and “Days Gone” has managed to earn some revenue.

If by some stroke of luck, an upgraded version of Days Gone gets released, it would undoubtedly fly off the shelves like pancakes on a Sunday morning. This success could potentially clear the path for a sequel to Days Gone, and who knows, maybe even a trilogy – though, that might just be wishful thinking on my part!

Please take note: The opinions shared within this post belong solely to the writer, and they may not align with or be endorsed by GamingBolt as a collective entity.

2024-10-27 21:11

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