In its recently released 2025 Corporate Report, Sony provided fresh insights and updates across its various business segments, prominently featuring the PlayStation division. A key highlight from the report is Sony`s renewed affirmation of its dedication to live-service games, even after encountering some difficulties and setbacks recently.
The report details Sony`s ongoing effort to “cultivate its live services expertise,” showcasing successful titles such as MLB The Show, Helldivers 2, Gran Turismo, and Destiny 2.
Among future live-service endeavors, Sony specifically highlighted Bungie`s Marathon as a significant title. This game, however, recently faced an indefinite delay and accusations of stolen art. Notably, the report conspicuously omits any mention of other forthcoming live-service titles, including the seemingly problematic Fairgame$.
Fairgame$ is currently being developed by Sony`s Haven Studios. Its former head, Jade Raymond, departed the studio amidst reported concerns about the game. While the game has reportedly been delayed, its release is now anticipated for Spring 2026, placing it close to the expected May 2026 launch of GTA 6.
Earlier this year, Fairgame$`s director, Daniel Drapeau, also left the company. Despite these personnel changes and its absence from Sony`s corporate report, it`s not definitively indicated that Fairgame$ is in dire straits.
Previously, Sony had ambitious plans to launch 12 live-service games in the coming years, in addition to its ongoing commitment to single-player experiences. However, in May 2023, the company revised this strategy, reducing its live-service game output by half. Management emphasized a shift towards prioritizing quality over sheer volume. This strategic pivot was followed by the cancellation of Naughty Dog`s The Last of Us multiplayer game in December 2023.
Conversely, early 2024 marked Sony`s most significant live-service triumph with Helldivers 2. The title shattered sales records, securing its position as the third best-selling game of 2024 in the U.S. Its recent release on Xbox, coupled with a new content update, has further fueled a massive surge in its popularity.
On the other hand, Concord stands as Sony`s most notable live-service failure. Launched in August 2024, its initial performance was so poor that Sony swiftly removed the game from sale and issued refunds to all players. Subsequently, its developer, Firewalk, was shut down. By late 2024, Sony also confirmed the cancellation of several other projects, including a live-service version of God of War and another from Bend Studio.
In the wake of Concord`s unsuccessful launch, PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst stated that Sony has implemented new protocols designed to ensure future live-service games are released in a more polished and successful state.