Key developers John Garvin and Jeff Ross behind Bend Studio's most recent Sony PlayStation-exclusive project, Days Gone, have parted ways with the team. Both developers departed the studio after shipping Days Gone, but it remains unclear as to what their exits mean for future projects at the Oregon-based development house.
Of the two, Garvin had been with Bend Studio the longest, having joined the team more than 20 years ago in 1997. In addition to Days Gone, he served integral role in the creation of the developer's classic Syphon Filter series. Notably, he scripted every title between Syphon Filter's original entry and Days Gone, including PSP's Resistance: Retribution and PS Vita's Uncharted: Gold Abyss. Jeff Ross, on the other hand, joined the crew back in 2006, with his previous industry credits including roles at Eidetic, Sony, High Moon Studios, and Rockstar Games. Both Sony and Bend have lost incredible talent with these two industry veterans taking leave.
John Garvin shared news of his departure in a lengthy Twitter thread earlier in the week. Interestingly, he left the studio over a year ago, shortly after Days Gone launched on PS4. In the many months since then, the writer's spent much of his break focused on personal projects like "painting, writing, and publishing." Whether or not Garvin will ever return to gaming presently remains a mystery. Meanwhile, Jeff Ross officially exited Bend Studio last week, as announced in a brief tweet of his own. He, too, remains silent about future plans. However, Ross did say he intends to move to Chicago "once COVID calms down" and will share further details at a later date.
Suffice it to say, these departures are nothing if not significant. Both Garvin and Ross have been formative parts of crafting Bend Studio's ever-evolving identity. Garvin was particularly instrumental to the developer's brand, evidenced by the sheer amount of work he produced at the studio. What this may all entail for a potential Days Gone sequel is anyone's guess for now.
Especially of interest is what may now become of the long-abandoned Syphon Filter property. Again, Garvin was essential to that franchise's success. Fortunately, a few key points of reference in Days Gone suggests Garvin's work with Gabe Logan's adventures in Syphon Filter haven't been forgotten by the crew at Bend.
Days Gone is available on PS5 and PS4.
Source: John Garvin, Jeff Ross