In a recent interview, PlayStation Co-CEO Herman Hulst confirmed that PlayStation remains dedicated to developing live service games, even after setbacks like the failure of Concord.
Hulst emphasized the company's belief in the potential of this model and highlighted the success of "Helldivers 2" as evidence of its viability.
The Changing Landscape of Gaming
Adapting to New Trends
Hulst acknowledged the rapidly evolving nature of the gaming industry, driven by technological advancements and emerging genres.
He noted that while competition has increased, the demand for compelling entertainment experiences remains strong.
This dynamic environment necessitates strategic adjustments to ensure a sustainable business model.
Concord's Impact and Lessons Learned
The closure of Concord and its developer, Firewalk Studios, marked a significant setback for Sony's live service ambitions.
Despite this, Hulst reiterated that Sony is not abandoning its plans, highlighting the lessons learned from Concord's failure.
While specific insights were not disclosed, the experience has informed Sony's approach to future projects.
Success Stories and Future Plans
Helldivers 2: A Model for Success
Hulst pointed to "Helldivers 2" as a successful example of a live service game, showcasing how continuous content updates can engage players and sustain interest.
This success reinforces Sony's commitment to refining its capabilities in developing high-quality live service titles.
Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Sony plans to continue its focus on live service games alongside traditional story-driven titles.
The company is also exploring collaborations with third-party studios for mobile game development, as seen with the upcoming "Destiny: Rising" spin-off by NetEase Games.
This strategy may allow Sony to leverage external expertise while concentrating internal resources on core projects.
>>> Upcoming Games Announced at PlayStation State of Play (Sep. 2024)
(Credit: Sony)
Balancing Live Service and Single-Player Offerings
Strengths in Single-Player Games
Sony's senior vice president for finance and IR, Sadahiko Hayakawa, acknowledged the inherent risks of live service games, emphasizing that Sony's strengths lie in its single-player offerings.
Upcoming titles like "Ghost of Yōtei" and Insomniac's "Wolverine" project underline Sony's commitment to delivering high-quality single-player experiences.
Future Reveals and Expectations
With "Ghost of Yōtei" slated for 2025 and other projects in the pipeline, Sony aims to balance its portfolio between live service and single-player games. Fans can anticipate exciting announcements as Sony continues to navigate the evolving gaming landscape.
Editor's Comments
Sony's persistence in pursuing live service games, despite setbacks, reflects a broader industry trend towards ongoing player engagement through continuous updates.
While the failure of Concord highlights the challenges of this model, the success of "Helldivers 2" demonstrates its potential when executed well.
As Sony refines its strategy, the balance between live service and single-player offerings will be crucial to maintaining its market position.
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