Sony To Cut Number Of PlayStation Live-Service Games Expected To Launch By March 2026
Sony shifts its strategy to prioritize superior gaming experiences, opting to reduce the volume of PlayStation live-service games slated for release by March 2026
Sony has announced that it will reassess its extensive venture into live-service gaming, scaling back on the number of games originally planned for release in the coming years. The initial objective was to have 12 live-service games up and running by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, but Sony has decided to reduce this projection by half, prioritizing the delivery of high-quality games.
During an earnings call, COO and CFO Hiroki Totoki stated, "We are currently reviewing this and making every effort to ensure that these games are enjoyed and well-received by gamers for a substantial period of time. Our current plan is to release six titles out of the 12 by FY25, and we are still working on the remaining six. This comprises the total number of live service and multiplayer titles. In the long run, we intend to strongly support this type of service, as it aligns with the company's steadfast policy. While we are not fixated on specific titles, the crucial factor is game quality."
Sony's extensive focus on live services has led to significant acquisitions, including Bungie, Haven Studios, and Firewalk Studios. Bungie is currently revitalizing Marathon as a competitive extraction shooter, Firewalk Studios is developing the sci-fi multiplayer game Concord, and Haven Studios recently unveiled FairGame$, a heist game where teams of players steal from society's wealthiest individuals. Additionally, Guerrilla, the developer of Horizon, is working on a multiplayer spin-off within the franchise, while Naughty Dog's The Last of Us competitive game remains shrouded in mystery.
According to reports, the development of The Last of Us multiplayer game may be on hold due to a negative internal review from Bungie. Sony is also facing a period of instability as several key leaders at PlayStation Studios have departed the company. Long-time Sony veteran Connie Booth left under undisclosed circumstances, and former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan is set to retire in March 2024.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Sony's decision to cut the number of PlayStation live-service games expected to launch by March 2026. On the one hand, I understand the company's desire to prioritize superior gaming experiences over quantity. I've played my fair share of live-service games that have felt repetitive and grindy, and it's refreshing to see Sony taking a step back to focus on quality over quantity.
On the other hand, I'm concerned that this decision will lead to fewer opportunities for new and innovative live-service games. I'm a big fan of games like Destiny 2 and Warframe, and I'm always excited to see what new live-service games are on the horizon. I'm worried that Sony's decision to scale back its live-service efforts will mean that we'll see fewer of these types of games in the future.
Overall, I think Sony's decision to cut the number of PlayStation live-service games is a step in the right direction. However, I hope that the company doesn't abandon live-service games altogether. I believe that there is still a lot of potential for this genre, and I'm excited to see what Sony does with its remaining live-service projects.
