PlayStationis once again committing to its future live service plans, with several titles in the works despite recent backlash. While players are skeptical about the company’s plans in this area,PlayStationexecutives see major earning potential, with much of this mindset likely attributed to the success of the 2024 mega-hitHelldivers 2.
Released for PC and PlayStation 5 early last year, the live service third-person shooterHelldivers 2earned commercial and critical acclaim, selling one million units in its first three days and reaching 15 million copies by November 2024. While the title features a battle pass, it isn’t time-gated, meaning that players can enjoy the game at their own pace. Additionally, premium currency can be earned by actually playing the game, further redefining the live service model. WithHelldivers 2’s latest update being a huge success, Sony has likely been bolstered by incredible fan response to the title, renewing its commitment to live service games once again.
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hermen Hulst shared that the company will continue building its portfolio of live service games during anannual business presentation(shared byEurogamer). This decision has divided PlayStation fans, asSony’s single-player titleshave found far more overall success. While titles likeHelldivers 2andDestiny 2have seen continued success, players are concerned about titles currently in the pipeline, including Bungie’sMarathonand Haven Games’Fairgrounds. The former was recently embroiled in a plagiarism scandal, while the latter wasn’t well-received during a recent closed playtest. Past live service failures for Sony includeConcord,The Last of Us Online, and a canceled live serviceGod of Wargame.
Sony Committed to Cultivating ‘A Diverse and Resilient’ Live Service Portfolio
While first glimpses at the upcoming first-person shooter intrigued players,Marathon’s reputation has been in a free fall following recent plagiarism accusations. According to insiders,morale at Bungie has never been worse, with playtesters of the game calling for it to be delayed from its planned 2025 release window. Sony has reportedly haltedMarathon’s marketing campaigns, though the developers have committed to releasing the live service title by the end of March 2026.
Meanwhile, Haven Studios' multiplayer third-person shooterFairgamesisn’t in a much better position. The title saw mixed reactions during closed playtesting, with many players describing its gameplay as “super clunky.” In late May, studio founder Jade Raymond left the company, prompting many to believe that the game may be in trouble. Revealed in 2023,Fairgameswas initially eyeing a 2025 release, though this has likely been pushed to 2026, according to industry insider Jeff Grubb.
