Throughout the PS4 generation, Sony released multiple big-budget titles to critical and commercial success. This included games inestablished franchises likeGod of WarandThe Last of Us, in addition to new IPs likeHorizon Zero DawnandGhost of Tsushima. Sony had seemingly decided to double-down on single-player games and almost every big-budget title they published was met with success in some form.

However,Days Gonewas often considered to be an exception to this rule. Upon its release,Days Gonewas met with middling reviews, especially when compared to the standard set by Sony’s other first-party studios. While some fans were probably expecting it to get a sequel on PS5, it was reported last year that aDays Gone 2pitch was rejected by Sony. Yesterday, Sucker Punch Productions announced thatGhost of Tsushimahad sold over 8 million copies, and Jeff Ross, the director ofDays Gone, wanted to share some words with fans of the game.

RELATED:Days Gone Gets Surprise New Update

Ross states that he left Sony in late 2020, andDays Gonehad also sold over 8 million copies by that point. It has naturally gone on to sell more copies since then, with the well-received PC port accounting for more than a million units. Ross says that local studio management made Bend Studio feel likeDays Gonewas a disappointment, despite the impressive sales figures. In a follow up Tweet, Ross thanks everyone for their messages, and commends fans ofDays Gonefor their continued support.

Selling over 8 million copies is a massive achievement for any game, let alone a new IP, so it is strange thatDays Goneis often considered to be an outlier inSony’s impressive AAA catalogue. Despite strong sales, critical reception seemingly plays a big role in Sony’s decision making. In addition to favorable reviews, most of Sony’s big-budget titles win or get nominated for multiple awards at the end of the year.Days Gonewas indeed an outlier in this scenario, but perhaps Bend Studio should have been given another shot at this franchise.

It is still surprising to look back at how Sony’s first party games blew up during the PS4 generation. As an example, it was confirmed that 2018’sGod of Warhas sold 19.5 million copies as of August 2021, a staggering number for any exclusive game. This figure is bound to increase whenGod of Warlaunches on PC later this month.

Days Goneis now available on PC and PS4.