Sony Interactive Entertainment has discontinued development of Fairgames, a live-service heist title that was revealed to the public in 2023. The decision represents another step back in the company’s broader initiative to establish multiple live-service gaming titles across its PlayStation platform.
According to Bloomberg, the cancellation followed internal testing that yielded disappointing results. An executive memo indicated that player feedback and retention metrics fell below predetermined thresholds, while competitive pressures in the player-versus-player shooter market were cited as additional contributing factors. The shutdown will not trigger workforce reductions, with developer Haven Studios—acquired by Sony in 2022—transitioning to provide support services for other PlayStation development teams.
Fairgames’ cancellation is part of a broader consolidation of Sony’s live-service strategy. The company previously shelved planned live-service projects tied to major franchises including God of War and The Last of Us. Sony also shut down Concord shortly after its commercial launch, marking another notable setback in its live-service ambitions.
Despite these challenges, Sony has achieved stronger results in other areas. Helldivers 2, a co-op shooter available across PlayStation and Xbox platforms, has performed successfully. Bungie’s Marathon launched this year and has struggled to gain traction initially, though the studio recently unveiled new content planned for December including a cooperative player-versus-environment mode and additional competitive options. Sony is also developing a live-service title set in the Horizon universe, though that project underwent a significant creative restart.
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