Sony Doubles Down on Live-Service Games, Assures Marathon’s Future
▼ Summary
– Sony remains committed to live-service games despite failures like Concord and struggles with Fairgame$, aiming for a diverse portfolio.
– PlayStation boss Hermen Hulst expressed optimism about Marathon, Bungie’s upcoming live-service game, learning from past mistakes.
– Hulst cited Concord’s failure as due to lack of differentiation in a competitive market, prompting Sony to refine its validation processes.
– Marathon’s alpha test feedback was mixed, but Hulst emphasized iterative testing as key to live-service success before and after launch.
– Sony has faced setbacks in live-service projects, including cancellations like The Last of Us Online and delays for Fairgame$.
Sony remains fully committed to expanding its live-service gaming portfolio despite recent setbacks, with PlayStation leadership expressing confidence in Bungie’s upcoming Marathon while acknowledging lessons learned from Concord’s failure. During a recent business presentation, PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst emphasized the company’s refined approach to evaluating live-service projects, aiming to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Hulst described Marathon as a bold and innovative entry in the competitive live-service space, though feedback from its alpha test phase showed mixed reactions. He stressed the importance of iterative testing, calling it critical for long-term success in the live-service model. While Concord struggled due to lacking differentiation in a crowded market, Sony has since implemented stricter validation processes to assess a game’s creative and commercial viability before greenlighting development.
The executive didn’t address recent controversies surrounding Marathon, including reports of stolen assets being discovered in the game. Early previews have raised questions about whether its premium pricing model can compete in a market dominated by free-to-play titles. Despite speculation about delays, the game remains on schedule for its September 23 release.
Sony’s broader live-service strategy has faced turbulence, with high-profile cancellations like The Last of Us Online and an unannounced God of War multiplayer project. Recent layoffs at Bend Studio followed the axing of another live-service title, while Fairgame$, a multiplayer heist game, reportedly faced internal concerns, pushing its launch to 2026.
Even with these challenges, Hulst reiterated Sony’s dedication to building a diverse and resilient live-service lineup, signaling that the company views the category as a long-term growth opportunity. The performance of Marathon will likely serve as a key indicator of whether Sony’s refined strategy can deliver hits in an increasingly competitive arena.
(Source: Game Spot)
