PlayStation Studios is set to make a bold statement in the gaming industry as it gears up to launch multiple live-service games of different genres and scales. Sony’s commitment to the live-service market has been well documented, with the company planning to launch ten live-service games from its first-party studios before the end of 2026.
Hermen Hulst, who manages all first-party teams under the PlayStation Studios umbrella, recently shed some light on the types of live-service projects that PlayStation’s studios are working on. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, he explained that the games are “targeting different genres, different release schedules, and at different scales.”
Hulst emphasized that “live-service” is not a singular genre, and that PlayStation’s games are tailored for different audiences. With the live-service market becoming increasingly competitive, it is a sensible strategy for PlayStation to diversify its games as much as possible to find an audience.
PlayStation’s lineup of live-service games is already starting to take shape, with five titles in the works that have been confirmed or are highly likely to be live service. These include The Last of Us multiplayer, Horizon’s online project, a fantasy co-op game from London Studio, Haven’s online community game, and Firewalk Studios’ online multiplayer title.
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The Last of Us multiplayer game has been eagerly anticipated by fans since its announcement in 2019. The original game’s story was critically acclaimed, and many fans are excited to see how the multiplayer component will be integrated. With The Last of Us being a post-apocalyptic game, it’s intriguing to see how the multiplayer will work in a world where resources are scarce.
Horizon’s online project is another highly anticipated live-service game. Horizon Zero Dawn was a smash hit, and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, is set to release in 2022. Fans are excited to see how the online component will expand on the game’s world and lore.
The fantasy co-op game from London Studio is a bit of a mystery, with few details available. However, the studio has a strong pedigree, having worked on games like Blood & Truth and The Playroom VR. It will be fascinating to watch what they produce.
The online community game from Haven is also intriguing. Haven is a new studio founded by Jade Raymond, who is known for her work on the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The studio’s focus on community is intriguing, and it will be interesting to see how they build a game around that.
Finally, Firewalk Studios’ online multiplayer title is still shrouded in secrecy. However, the studio’s pedigree is impressive, with veterans from games like Destiny, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends on the team. With that kind of talent, it’s safe to say that expectations are high.
In conclusion, PlayStation’s diverse lineup of live-service games is set to shake up the gaming industry. With a focus on different genres, audiences, and scales, PlayStation is positioning itself to have a fighting chance in a competitive market. Fans of PlayStation’s first-party games have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
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