Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

PlayStation Refocuses Live-Service Strategy on Quality and Early Testing, Says Hermen Hulst

The shift follows Concord’s shutdown, with Sony trimming projects as it keeps live services in play under tighter oversight.

An image about PlayStation boss on Concord, live games: 'We want to fail early, and fail cheaply'
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Hermen Hulst says the volume target is no longer the priority, emphasizing a diverse mix of player experiences and communities.
  • Following Concord, PlayStation introduced much more rigorous and frequent testing, including broader group play, cross-studio feedback, and closer executive involvement.
  • Hulst advocates a fail-early, fail-cheaply approach to catch weak projects sooner, a stance reflected in recent cancellations across PlayStation Studios.
  • Sony remains invested in live-service revenue while reworking its pipeline, relying on established titles such as Helldivers 2, Destiny 2, Gran Turismo 7, and MLB The Show.
  • Bungie’s Marathon was delayed in June and faces heightened scrutiny, with leadership changes reported at the studio and an expected release before March 31, 2026 according to GameSpot.