Days Gone Director Upset at Protagonist’s Inclusion in Astro Bot

Days Gone creative director John Garvin has cut a controversial and outspoken figure since his departure from SIE Bend Studio in 2020, and is now taking aim at Astro Bot, Sony’s recently released platformer. Described as a celebration of the history of PlayStation amidst universal acclaim, the platformer is brimming with cameos and easter eggs representing a vast number of first- and third-party franchises associated with PlayStation as a brand, though Garvin hasn’t taken too kindly to one particular conclusion. 

Days Gone protagonist Deacon St. John appears (in robot form, like all other characters) in Astro Bot, a fact that Garvin isn’t too thrilled about. Taking to Twitter, Garvin expressed the same, while also taking a swing at his former employer, Days Gone developer SIE Bend Studio, “Kinda sad that Deek has been reduced to promoting other games. Well done, Bend Studio! Way to protect your legacy!”

Responding to a user calling his comments harsh, Garvin wrote, “I see my character reduced to a cartoon shill promoting some small game and I’m being harsh?”

Garvin’s comments on Astro Bot are the latest in a string of instances that have seen the Days Gone creative director sparking controversy with his comments. 

In addition to becoming the best-reviewed game of 2024, Astro Bot also seems to have got off to an impressive start where sales are concerned, having sold out on Amazon Japan. 

In our review of the game, we awarded it a score of 9/10, saying, “Astro Bot is a wonderful love letter to all things PlayStation, and an exceptional platformer in its own right. If you own a PS5, you need to play this game.” Read the full review through here.

Astro Bot is available on PS5. Team Asobi is currently at work on free DLC, which could include cameos from Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, Stellar Blade, and more, as suggested by the game’s end credits. 

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