Days Gone Writer & Director Have Both Left Bend Studio

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Two of PlayStation’s most senior developers have left Sony’s Bend Studio, the team behind 2019’s zombie hit, Days Gone.

In a series of tweets it has been revealed that two long-standing developers John Garvin and Jeff Ross have left the Days Gone developer.

Days gone image
Credit: SIE Bend Studio

Both men have been at the studio since the mid-90’s – way before it was even called Bend Studio – under its original name of Eidetic.

John Garvin, who was a writer/director and Jeff Ross, a game director, have been with the company ever since the original Syphon Filter on the OG PlayStation.

The duo has worked on the entire Syphon Filter series, the PS Vita’s criminally underrated Uncharted: Golden Abyss and – more recently – Days Gone on the PlayStation 4.

Image of zombie fight in Days Gone
Credit: SIE Bend Studio

Surprisingly, despite both developers announcing their departures within minutes of each other on Twitter this week, John Garvin revealed that he in fact left the company over a year ago.

“Hi all, a quick announcement: I haven’t spoken about this before for various reasons, but I’m no longer with Bend Studio and haven’t been for over a year,” said Garvin.

He continued: “Since Days Gone shipped, I’ve been focusing on personal projects: painting, writing, publishing and generally, enjoying a break from the game industry.”

However Jeff Ross’ departure was more immediate, with him announcing that this will be his last week at the studio.

“This week is my last at PlayStation and Bend Studio. I’m incredibly proud of all the games I got to make, but also looking forward to new challenges ahead,” said Ross.

Ross went on to say: “I’ll post about my plans later, but I’ll be moving to Chicago once COVID calms down. #JeffsGone #DaysGone”

With their departures both John Garvin and Jeff Ross received a special thank you from Sony Interactive Entertainment chief, Shuhei Yoshida.

Yoshida expressed his gratitude in tweets thanking the two developers.

“Thanks John for all the years with us, we had wonderful years of creating games that brought lots of joy to millions of fans of PlayStation. Enjoy your next chapter in life 😀” Yoshida told Garvin.

Speaking to Ross, Yoshida said: “Thanks Jeff for all your work at PlayStation, you will be missed! Good luck with your new chapter in life 😀”.

It’s unclear how the departures will effect the development of the studio’s current project, which is believed to be the unannounced sequel to Days Gone.

We at GameByte would like to thank both John Garvin and Jeff Ross for their years of dedication in bringing us so many great games.

Be sure to share your love to the former Bend Studio developers by reacting to our Emoji’s below.

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Featured Image Credit: Bend Studio