PlayStation Delays Release of Half of Planned Live Service Games
Sony has confirmed that it will postpone the release of half of its 12 planned live service games for PlayStation 5. The decision comes after the company’s acquisition of game developer Bungie for $3.6 billion. In a recent earnings call, Sony CFO Hiroki Totoki stated that of the 12 live service games, only six will be released by Fiscal Year 2025, which ends in March 2026.
“We are reviewing this…we are trying as much as possible to ensure [these games] are enjoyed and liked by gamers for a long time,” Totoki said on the earnings call. He emphasized that game quality is the most important factor in their release schedule.
Additionally, it was reported earlier this year that Bungie was evaluating some of PlayStation’s in-development offerings, including Naughty Dog’s Last of Us multiplayer project, which is reportedly on hold. This evaluation seems to have led to the retooling of Sony’s approach, resulting in the delay of at least six live service games.
In terms of PlayStation multiplayer offerings, the company had acquired Firewalk Studios to develop a AAA multiplayer game and also had plans for a multiplayer Factions-like project in the upcoming Last of Us game. Rumors suggest that Guerrilla Games is working on an online multiplayer game set in the world of Horizon, and Bungie is working on reviving its old shooter series, Marathon.
The announcement of the delay in the release of these games raises questions about Sony’s live service direction and the impact it may have on the gaming community. With several highly-anticipated titles on hold, fans will have to wait to see which games will be released by March 2026 and which will be pushed to a later date.
For more updates, be sure to read about how Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game and about the increasing popularity of the PS5.
How do you feel about Sony’s live service direction? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: VideoGamesChronicle
