PlayStation’s push into live-service territory isn’t exactly going according to plan. After the quick demise of Concord and the continued delays around Marathon, Sony has finally acknowledged that its multiplayer strategy is struggling.
PlayStation live-service efforts are stalling
Sony originally pledged over 10 live-service games by early 2026. So far, that timeline has slipped. Concord launched with high hopes and years of dev time, only to be shut down weeks later. Marathon, a revival from Bungie, remains delayed, with no clear commitment on its launch window.
The existing successes can’t carry the weight
Four titles currently hold the live-service torch: Helldivers 2, MLB: The Show, Gran Turismo 7, and Destiny 2. While they’re profitable, they can’t mask the quiet cancellation of multiple other projects.
Some of the scrapped games include:
- A live-service God of War by Bluepoint
- A Twisted Metal reboot from Firesprite
- A multiplayer Spider-Man game called The Great Web
- A long-awaited Last of Us live-service title from Naughty Dog
PlayStation live-service studios see major shakeups
Bungie, once given autonomy, now faces direct oversight. Sony is tightening its grip on how the studio operates after growing concerns over Destiny 2’s business management. Other studios, like Haven, have gone silent on projects such as Fairgame$, which reportedly won’t launch until 2026.
Internal tension and executive exits fuel questions
Leadership changes have added more instability. The exit of Jade Raymond from Haven this May raised eyebrows, as did past comments from former PlayStation execs who questioned the live-service pivot entirely. One even joked that pushing back against the strategy might’ve cost him his job.
Will PlayStation’s vision realign?
While Sony continues promoting single-player blockbusters like Ghost of Yōtei and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, its multiplayer ambitions remain cloudy. The company isn’t walking away from the idea but after this string of delays, shutdowns, and reassignments, the original vision no longer holds.
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