PlayStation’s Fairgame$ Delayed: What the Studio Head’s Departure Means for Gamers

Sony’s live service gaming plans face challenges. The multiplayer heist shooter, Fairgame$, has been delayed. Concerns arose after an external test, and Jade Raymond, the head of Haven Studios, has stepped down.

Bloomberg reports that Fairgame$ was initially scheduled for a fall 2025 release but will now arrive in 2026. This change reflects internal worries about the game’s direction following mixed feedback. Haven Studios, based in Montreal, consists of former Google Stadia developers, and Raymond was once a key figure behind Assassin’s Creed. Sony expressed gratitude for her contributions but is now transitioning leadership to Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski.

Fairgame$ first caught attention during a 2023 PlayStation showcase. It promises a unique blend of class warfare and sandbox gameplay, reminiscent of Robin Hood meets Payday 2. However, many remain skeptical, especially considering earlier setbacks in Sony’s live service strategy. The company has already scrapped several ambitious projects, including an online version of The Last of Us and a God of War spin-off.

Market analysts note that these ongoing delays and cancellations reflect broader trends in the gaming industry. According to a recent survey by the Entertainment Software Association, nearly 70% of gamers prefer single-player experiences over complex online formats. This shift might compel game studios to rethink their strategies and focus on delivering engaging single-player titles.

User reactions on social media suggest disappointment among fans. Many were looking forward to Fairgame$, but trust in Sony’s live service efforts is waning. The road ahead for Fairgame$ and Sony’s live service ambitions seems uncertain, but only time will tell if they can turn around this narrative.

For further insights, visit Bloomberg.

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