Sony cancels Fairgames, another setback for its live-service shooter plans
Fairgames is canceled
Sony has ended development of Fairgames, a heist game revealed in 2023, Bloomberg reported. The project was part of the company’s planned expansion into PlayStation live-service games. The decision follows a recent test of the game. An executive memo cited by Bloomberg said player feedback and retention were mixed and below the goals Sony had set, alongside challenging market conditions for PvP shooters.
Haven staff will support studios
The cancellation will not result in job cuts, Bloomberg reported. Haven Studios will instead provide support to other PlayStation studios. Sony acquired Haven Studios in 2022. The company has also canceled other planned live-service titles, including projects tied to God of War and The Last of Us, and closed Concord shortly after its unsuccessful launch.
Sony’s wider live-service plans
Sony has had success with Helldivers 2, which is also available on Xbox. Bungie’s Marathon launched this year and has had a difficult start; the studio recently showed features planned for a December update.
Those additions include a co-op PvE roguelite mode and a PvP deathmatch mode. Sony is also developing a live-service Horizon spinoff, which it recently rebooted.
Key points
- Sony canceled Fairgames after a test with mixed feedback and below-target retention.
- The decision will not cause job cuts; Haven Studios will support other PlayStation studios.
- Sony has canceled other live-service projects and shut down Concord after its failed launch.
- Helldivers 2 has found success, while Marathon and a Horizon spinoff remain part of Sony’s efforts.