Sony’s Live-Service Title Fairgames Loses Another Key Developer During Development

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Sony’s live-service strategies encounter another setback as the creative director of Haven Studios’ upcoming shooter game titled “Fairgames” has departed during development. The troubled project, which has faced numerous challenges throughout its development, continues to raise questions about the fate of “Fairgames.” Sony’s major live-service plans for PlayStation are still not unfolding as originally intended.

After the tremendous success of Helldivers 2, Sony announced ambitious intentions to broaden their live-service games portfolio by launching approximately ten titles in this genre by 2026. However, these plans have largely fallen short and have been characterized by cancellations, difficulties, and other setbacks. The most prominent example is the multiplayer shooter Concord, which not only flopped financially but resulted in both the game and studio ceasing operations following its release. Additionally, Sony’s plans appear to be encountering further hurdles as another member of the development team for Fairgames, the shooter game, has departed.

Fairgames Creative Director Leaves the Studio Mid-Development

Just now on LinkedIn, Daniel Drapeau shared that he’s moved on from Haven Studios and his Creative Director role in ‘Fairgames’. He further mentioned that he’s taken up a similar position at Warner Bros Games Montreal, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming phase of his career. Unfortunately for Sony, this departure adds to their struggles with live-service strategies and the development of ‘Fairgames’, which has been turbulent since its unveiling during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, with limited details about gameplay following its official release.

During the development phase, another prominent figure has departed from the team, following the departure of Haven Studio’s head Jade Raymond last May. It’s been reported that a private playtest for the game Fairgames, involving a small group of players, took place recently. However, the feedback received was less than positive. Players described the early-stage experience as having a rough feel and needing more polish, as it attempted to blend features from extraction shooters and battle royales such as Fortnite.

Despite ongoing success for “Helldivers 2” with regular updates and partnerships, Sony’s live-service plans face mounting pressure. Reports suggest the cancellation of multiple games, including Naughty Dog’s multiplayer spin-off of “The Last of Us.” The debut of “Destiny 2’s” latest expansion, The Edge of Fate, experienced low player engagement initially, and its sister project, “Marathon,” has been embroiled in controversy, leading to a delay until 2026.

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2025-09-01 16:05