But first and foremost, PlayStation is taking the spotlight with a 60+ minute State of Play on June 2nd. After its incredible showing last February, can it deliver an even bigger show? Maybe, but what can we expect? Here are 15 potential announcements and reveals, starting with…

Control Resonant’s Release Date

Alright, Remedy. We get it. You have a bigger, more ambitious sequel to the excellent Control, complete with deeper combat mechanics, more exciting enemies, tougher boss battles, and art direction that’s completely unlike anything else out there. Since the gameplay reveal happened at the last State of Play, it seems all but a given that a release date should be announced at the next. The wait has been killing us, so it’s now or never.

The Faye Situation

Multiple noted insiders, from NateTheHate to Jason Schreier, reported on its existence, and even a Santa Monica Studio writer indicated that they were working on a “new franchise” in the same universe on their LinkedIn. At this point, how can the spin-off not be revealed? Based on what we know, Faye will take center stage, accompanied by Merlin, a talking sword (so there’s the Arthurian legend covered), and even running into Tyr. It was rumored to be revealed in May or June, and lo and behold, here we are. That means that a potential launch in the first half of 2027 may also happen. Fingers crossed

Kena: Scars of Kosmora Release Date

Another sequel to file into the “bigger and more ambitious” category, Scars of Kosmora marks the return of the intrepid spirit guide, except she’s tougher and possesses more combat prowess. Based on what we’ve seen thus far, some new gameplay, a peek at Kena’s abilities and maybe some more gorgeous sights from Kosmora feel appropriate to showcase. And what better way to top it off than with a release date? As with Control Resonant, the clock is ticking, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Ember Lab wants to fill that “nowhere near GTA 6” slot as well.

Silent Hill: Townfall Release Window

Konami had quite the presence at February’s State of Play. You could call it a one-off to fill some time, but the fact that Silent Hill: Townfall is launching this year, exclusively on PS5 and PC, is set in stone. For now. I’m predicting something different at State of Play – a release window, with a more definitive release date sometime later (maybe at Gamescom Opening Night Live). It all comes down to development progress, which we’re completely in the dark on. Maybe Konami gives this smaller team (backed by Annapurna but still) some more time and delays it, or it goes ahead, marking a third straight year of Silent Hill. Either way, a simple “Autumn” couldn’t hurt, right?

Marvel’s Wolverine Reveals More Characters

You already know that Insomniac is going to show more from Marvel’s Wolverine, and maybe even open up pre-orders afterwards. But besides diving into the nitty-gritty and goriness of combat, who’s to say that some unannounced characters can’t show up? Perhaps, say, other members of the X-Men with a close connection to Logan? If nothing else, it would make for a hype moment (and maybe even more encouragement to pre-order).

Intergalactic Resurfaces

Last December, Naughty Dog was allegedly targeting mid-2027 for the launch of Intergalactic. Things may very well have changed since, so will Sony take a chance and reveal more now, maybe even committing to a vague release window for next year? Or will its current offerings be enough, and instead, it saves the announcement for a later occasion, giving the team more time to figure out where it’s at? Whatever the case, the fact that there’s only one PlayStation Studios console exclusive left for this calendar year means it needs to get the hype rolling for 2027. With NateTheHate claiming other exclusives at State of Play besides Marvel’s Wolverine and Faye’s game, Intergalactic is looking likely.

More MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Reveals

As the days count down to its August launch, and Arc System Works is less coy about revealing more characters, you can’t tell me it won’t repeat that pattern at State of Play. After all, players have already gone hands-on with the latest build featuring the Fighting Avengers. Maybe this next reveal will accompany an open beta announcement for July to incorporate any remaining feedback. And if ever there was a time for some villains to take center stage, this would be it.

Uncharted Returns

Shaun Escayg, creative director on whatever unknown project Naughty Dog is working on, I’ve come to bargain. That “research photo” in a location that feels more than vaguely fitting for the Uncharted franchise can’t be a fluke, and neither can all those rumors over the years about…something, be it remaster or sequel. Is it finally time to make the big announcement? Will there be a better time later (don’t say The Game Awards)? It’s a strong “maybe” either way.

Break In/Fairgame$

No more content updates for Destiny 2, Marathon not exactly setting the market on fire (even though Season 2 looks good)…who’s to say that Sony won’t just rip the band-aid off and re-reveal Fairgame$? Based on a recent trademark called Break In, it could be renamed, assuming that isn’t just a marketing tagline, and we may see a different (but still vaguely similar) heisting experience. Regardless, you probably shouldn’t expect a shadow drop, seeing as rumored playtests haven’t been going great.

Until Dawn 2 Announcement

Another PlayStation title that’s been a long time coming, but, you know, in a more positive way. Rumored since 2022, after a job description about a “triple-A narrative-driven horror-adventure game” following Sony’s acquisition of Firesprite. Rumored again in 2024 by Xbox Era. And then what should appear at the end of the Until Dawn remake but two new scenes, potentially hinting at something in the future? If it’s indeed happening – and not canned because of that awful movie – then it’s high time for an announcement.

Marvel’s Venom Announcement

While Insomniac Games tinkers away on Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 – rumor or not, you know it’s eventually happening – we may get Marvel’s Venom before. Jason Schreier refuted reports that the project was canned following voice actor Tony Todd’s passing, but its current development state remains unknown. Maybe Insomniac is saving it for a rainy day next Fall, when Sony needs a big exclusive. Hey, if it works for Nintendo and their first-party titles, why not for PlayStation? In that sense, if a reveal happens, a release window remains a toss-up.

Media Molecule’s Next Game

It’s been three years now since Media Molecule wrapped up support on Dreams and confirmed a new project was in the works. More recently, a designer’s portfolio indicated that it features “open-world content.” Correlation doesn’t necessarily imply causation, though – neither of these two things means a State of Play reveal. But maybe the studio will confirm that it’s progressing smoothly, as a treat.

Resident Evil Requiem Story Expansion Reveal

A big announcement like the long-rumored Resident Evil – Code: Veronica Remake at Summer Game Fest, much like Resident Evil Requiem last year, sounds plausible enough. But the company could still unveil something Resident Evil-related before that. A trailer for the story expansion, perhaps confirming that Leon is the star, coupled with a tease of the allegedly included Ada Wong? It’s not impossible, especially with all the updates since Requiem’s launch, but gameplay and a release date may be a bit much.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Update

Speaking of which, it’s now over four years since the next mainline Kingdom Hearts was announced. At this point, we’re beginning to feel as stuck as Sora, desperately seeking something, anything new. With creative director Tetsuya Nomura claiming that the team is “working hard” towards the series’ 25th anniversary, which is next year, any news in 2026 may seem unlikely. But this is Kingdom Hearts and Nomura, so keep an open mind and expect the unexpected.

Untitled John Wick Game

After the surprise announcement of Saber Interactive’s untitled prequel to the blockbuster film series at the last State of Play…well, we want to see more. And since Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake, which Saber took over since splitting from Embracer, is looking unlikely, I’m thinking that maybe John Wick is back again. Here’s hoping he brings an official title for the game this time around.

While no other details about the trademark are available through the filing aside from the fact that it is in the same category as “video game software”, “downloadable video game software”, and “recorded computer game software”, the title and categories hint that it could be a rebranding of Haven Studios’ first game, Fairgame$. Along with “Break In” being a well-suited name for the heist motifs in Fairgame$, there is also the fact that the game was originally announced for PC and PS5, and the trademark filing mentions “computer game software”.

Details about Fairgame$ have been sparse, with a report from last month indicating that its latest pre-alpha playtests have seen negative reactions. The playtest seemingly focused on a mansion-themed map, with four teams of three players tasked with taking each other on. Interestingly, the report also noted that, unlike its unveiling trailer, the color scheme of the playtest was more “grounded”. However, the playtesters had quite a bit of negative feedback for core gameplay elements like movement, classes, and NPCs.

Reports of the heist shooter getting an extraction shooter mode also came up last month. Dubbed Cargo Heist, the mode will involve players trying to hunt down a vault code to open a safe, which will reward players with cash that can then be used to upgrade their skills. The title is also rumored to include elements inspired by Fortnite and The Division 2.

Since the original unveiling of Fairgame$, Haven Studios has seen quite a few high-profile departures, including that of studio head and founder Jade Raymond. A PlayStation spokesperson confirmed this and thanked Raymond for the work she had done. Raymond has been succeeded by Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski, taking over as co-studio heads.

“Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios,” said the spokesperson. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Fairgame$ game director Daniel Drapeau also announced that he had left Haven Studios back in September 2025. The gaming industry veteran was a notable departure for the studio, especially since he was one of the first people to start working there.

If Sony does plan to officially re-unveil Fairgame$ with the new name of Break In during the upcoming State of Play, the title will be joined by other major games, including Marvel’s Wolverine. A recent report has also indicated that we might see more PS5-exclusive titles at the show, with rumors pointing to a new God of War, among others.

Insomniac Games’ upcoming title is expected to be a big part of the showcase, with Sony having promised a “closer look” at the game. The event itself is slated to feature more than 60 minutes of “updates, announcements, and gameplay reveals.”

The gameplay allegedly showcased a mansion map where four teams of three players each would clash. Interestingly, it seems to have traversal abilities like wall-running and grappling, and the art direction reportedly sports more “grounded” colors. Unfortunately, the movement, classes, and NPCs apparently received a “massive amount of negative player feedback” from the Discord.

If that wasn’t enough, it seems those who participated would only partake in a few matches, feeling that the experience was “incomplete or boring.” All of this wouldn’t be the first feedback, but it’s been almost three years since the game’s announcement, nearly one year since founder Jade Raymond departed the studio, and more than seven months since game director Daniel Drapeau left. At this point, all the signs are there.

Maybe Sony still sees something in the project if it’s continuing to fund it. Either way, in terms of live service successes, it doesn’t have much to boast about aside from Helldivers 2, especially with Steam player counts plummeting for Marathon. Stay tuned for more updates in the meantime.

Reportedly called Cargo Heist, it involves finding a vault code to open a safe. You then use the cash inside to upgrade your skills. By using a drill, you can breach a vault for its valuable cargo and then head to the Extraction Site. Much like Marathon, there’s a device that requires initiating exfil, and if you miss it, another exit must be located.

It seems you can also deal with rival crews, setting up ambushes at the vault (though it’s unknown if you can take their cash and loot). If one didn’t know better, this would seem like the main gameplay loop instead of an optional mode. Then again, previous rumors claimed it features elements from The Division and Fortnite, so who knows how much it’s changed during development.

When is Fairgame$ releasing? Internally, it’s reportedly planned for this year with Henderson claiming another playtest is happening this weekend. Time will tell if that actually happens, especially since the buzz around the title, following studio founder Jade Raymond’s departure, isn’t exactly the best.

Saros (Release Date: April 30)

Saros is a true spiritual successor to Returnal, taking everything that worked and doubling down on it while introducing some clever design tactics to make it feel more inclusive. Early teases suggest another fast-paced, mechanically demanding action experience, but this time with a stronger focus on world-building and character progression that stays in between runs. With Housemarque’s proven ability to blend tight gameplay with striking visuals, Saros is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing PS5 exclusives on the horizon.

Intergalactic

Naughty Dog’s brand-new IP, Intergalactic marks a major shift for the studio known for grounded storytelling. Set in a retro-futuristic sci-fi universe, the game looks to blend cinematic storytelling with expansive exploration and combat systems that are a lot more dense than what we are used to. While details remain scarce at the moment, Naughty Dog’s pedigree alone makes this a project worth watching closely and we will be observing it more closely in the coming weeks and months.

Marvel’s Wolverine (Release Date: Late 2026)

Insomniac Games has cemented its reputation as one of the best names in Sony’s first-party roster of developers, and Marvel’s Wolverine is the next big step for the team. Set to release in 2026, Marvel’s Wolverine will allegedly focus on a more personal narrative, and the gameplay trailers show some amazing and fast combat which comes together to make it one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year.

Phantom Blade Zero (Release Date: September 9)

Phantom Blade Zero is all about defeating enemies and taking part in lightning-fast combat encounters, and doing it all with absolute style. It blends traditional Chinese martial arts with a dark and gritty aesthetic, and the game seems poised to deliver fluid swordplay that emphasizes precision and timing over swinging flashy combos and racking in multipliers. Unlike many Soulslikes, Phantom Blade Zero appears to focus more on speed and spectacle without sacrificing depth which is a rather interesting premise. If it delivers on its promise of seamless combat animations and stylish encounters, this could be a standout action title for PS5 players craving something fresh.

Nioh 3 (Release Date: February 6)

Nioh has gone on to become a highly successful Souls like series, and Nioh 3 seems poised to continue on that goodwill. It’s largely built around the same combat framework, but Nioh 3 introduces the addition of both Samurai and Ninja combat styles which not only add more variety but should also add an element of personal expression to the meticulous dance of dodges. The visuals and art direction look striking, and Nioh 3 is definitely on our radar when it comes out on Feb 6, 2026.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls looks to bring Marvel’s iconic characters into a more mechanically focused fighting game framework. Rather than chasing realism, the game leans into stylized visuals and fast-paced combat that’s inspired by classic arcade fighters. The combat will unsurprisingly focus on tight inputs, flashy supers, and tag-based mechanics that reward both mechanical prowess and game knowledge.

Fairgame$

Fairgame$ is Sony’s bold attempt at a competitive, multiplayer-focused experience built around high-stakes heists and player-driven chaos. Developed by Haven Studios, the game emphasizes planning, teamwork, and adaptability rather than pure gunplay. Each match is designed to create unpredictable scenarios where things can go wrong very quickly, forcing players to think on their feet. Its vibrant presentation and stylish tone give it a distinct identity, and Fairgame$ has the potential to stand out if its systems encourage memorable, emergent moments.

Ballad of Antara

Ballad of Antara is a dark fantasy action RPG that blends Souls-like sensibilities with a narrative that’s a lot easier to digest. The game’s dual-reality mechanic lets players to shift between different versions of the same world, and that adds an interesting layer to both exploration and combat. Encounters appear deliberate and punishing without feeling overly restrictive, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Combined with stellar art direction and ominous atmosphere, Ballad of Antara looks like a title that could become a huge hit.

Arknights: Endfield (Release Date: January 22)

Arknights: Endfield marks a significant evolution for the franchise, morphing from its mobile tower-defense roots into a full-scale action RPG experience. The game features real-time combat, squad-based mechanics, and expansive environments that place a greater emphasis on exploration. Its already a big hit on the PC, and we are hoping to see a similarly positive response on the PS5 when it comes out in January this year.

Cairn (Release Date: January 29)

Cairn takes a refreshingly grounded approach by focusing almost entirely on climbing and survival. It’s completely devoid of any combat, and the game challenges players through careful resource management, environmental awareness, and precise movement. Every ascent feels dangerous, with mistakes carrying real consequences. It flaunts a rather tasteful art direction which gives the game a unique look and feel. Cairn may not appeal to everyone, but for players looking for something slower, more methodical, and deeply immersive, it stands out as one of the more unique PS5 exclusives in development.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Release Date: February 26)

Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s return brings back a style of racing that prioritizes atmosphere and one-on-one rivalries over flashy spectacle. Set on Japanese highways, the game focuses on high-speed duels, vehicle customization, and learning the nuances of each track – but it’s all quite nostalgic. On PS5, the series looks poised to modernize its visuals while retaining the moody tone that made it so memorable in the first place.

Brocade-Clad Guard

Brocade-Clad Guard immediately stands out thanks to its striking art direction and historical inspirations. Drawing from ancient Chinese aesthetics, the game emphasizes elegant yet deadly combat encounters against some of the fiercest enemies in the land. Swordplay is all about deliberate and disciplined, rewarding timing and positioning over reckless aggression. While details remain relatively scarce, the game’s visual identity alone makes it one of the more intriguing action RPGs on the list.

Exiledge

Another game from PlayStation’s China Hero Initiative, Exiledge is shaping up to be a slick action RPG with an emphasis on speed and fluidity. Combat revolves around being an aggressive warrior, encouraging players to chain attacks, abilities, and movement into seamless encounters. The futuristic aesthetic and vibrant visual effects give it a strong identity, helping it stand apart from the barrage of traditional fantasy RPGs.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake

The remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most anticipated PS5 exclusives, even after a prolonged and uncertain development cycle. Rebuilding such a beloved RPG for modern hardware is a massive undertaking, and while details on the actual implementation remain scant for now – but updated visuals, refined combat systems, and fully voiced characters could breathe new life into its iconic story and open this experience up to a whole new set of fans.

Physint

Physint marks Hideo Kojima’s long-awaited return to the stealth-action genre, and expectations are understandably sky-high. Described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, the game aims to blend cinematic storytelling with deep, systemic stealth gameplay. While concrete information remains tightly under wraps, Physint is very much in a position to serve as a major tentpole release for PlayStation.

4:LOOP

4:LOOP is an experimental sci-fi title built entirely around repetition and discover where each run challenges players to learn more about the world and its systems. Rather than relying on traditional progression, the game encourages mastery through knowledge and experimentation. This structure allows for organic storytelling and player-driven problem-solving. If executed well, 4:LOOP could offer a deeply engaging experience that rewards curiosity and patience, standing apart from more conventional action-driven releases on the platform.

Psycho Dead

Psycho Dead puts players in the shoes of a little girl who has to escape from a secret laboratory that’s filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures. The game flaunts great use of environmental storytelling, using the surroundings to tell a story rather than relying on pure exposition. There are stalker enemies in the vein of something like Mr. X, psychic powers that can be used against enemies, and puzzles that need to be solved in order to progress – so fans of the genre should definitely check this one out.

Parasite: Mutant

Parasite Mutant blends action and horror through a mutation-driven progression system that allows players to evolve their abilities by absorbing enemy traits. This creates an interesting risk-reward dynamic, as greater power often comes at a visible cost. Combat appears fast and aggressive, complemented by a gritty, body-horror-inspired aesthetic. The game’s tone feels unapologetically dark, setting it apart from more polished action titles. If its mechanics are balanced well, Parasite Mutant could deliver a uniquely brutal and memorable PS5 experience.

Loulan The Cursed Sand

Loulan The Cursed Sand draws inspiration from ancient myths and desert folklore, and presents a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery. Played in an isometric perspective, the moment-to-moment gameplay revolves around crawling through enemy-infested dungeons and taking part in free-flowing combat that’s just as deliberate as it is flashy. The art direction on offer is also something worth noting, and Loulan The Cursed Sand does stand out amongst the barrage of other RPGs that are set to come out in the near future.

Project The Perceiver

Currently in development at 17ZHE, Project: The Perceiver is all about using different masks to gain special powers in battle and use them to conquer the fiercest enemies of the land. It operates on a Sekiro-esque framework where the power fantasy of being a warrior has to be rightfully earned, and the visuals look really breathtaking. Project: The Perceiver has a lot of great things on its sleeve, and it’s definitely something that could end up being really big if it plays out correctly.

Interestingly, Drapeau is noted as being one of the first people to work at Haven Studios, and his LinkedIn profile indicates that his departure from the studio took place some time in August. “As of this week, I joined WB Games Montreal Inc. as Creative Director,” wrote Drapeau a few weeks ago on LinkedIn. “I can’t wait to start this wonderful adventure with all the great people here at the studio.”

Drapeau is a veteran of the gaming industry, having first started out as a game tester all the way back in 2006. Since then, he has slowly worked his way up the ranks, especially in the field of game design. Among the projects that Drapeau has worked on include Rainbow Six Siege and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Throughout his career, Drapeau primarily worked at Ubisoft before leaving the company to join Haven Studios back in 2021.

Drapeau isn’t the first major departure from Haven Studios’ Fairgame$ project. Studio head and founder Jade Raymond had left the company back in May. A PlayStation spokesperson confirmed this with a statement, thanking Raymond for her contributions to the studio’s work. Her position has since been taken up by Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski as co-studio heads.

“Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios,” said the spokesperson about Raymond’s departure. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Haven Studios had announced Fairgame$ all the way back in May 2023. Since then, however, no details about the game have been confirmed by either the studio or PlayStation. Fairgame$ is slated to be a heist title with PvEvP gameplay, and is currently being developed for PC and PS5.

Fairgame$ was announced with a trailer, which showcased a crew of three players making use of tools like grappling hooks to breach a seemingly secure facility. Along the way, the group encounters another group that is seemingly trying to steal the same thing from the same location.

A job listing for Fairgame$ indicated that it would be a major AAA release for Haven Studios and PlayStation. The listing noted that the title has been on track with its development, and is slated “to deliver a AAA multiplayer experience.”

While no official details have been confirmed as of yet, rumours from back in May indicate that, along with its core extraction shooter gameplay, Fairgame$ will also feature elements from other live service titles like Fortnite and Tom Clancy’s The Division. However, playtests have indicated that development on the title wasn’t going as well as Haven Studios had hoped, with feedback revolving around how it “doesn’t feel good to play” and feels “super clunky”.

Remember when Sony said that Ghost of Yōtei marked the beginning of plans to launch “major single-player games titles every year?” That really came back to haunt me recently when the company highlighted Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei as its big single-player offerings for the rest of the fiscal year. And the next? Well, it hasn’t said anything, but Marvel’s Wolverine and Intergalactic are coming. Eventually. There’s at least Housemarque’s Saros, which has a confirmed 2026 release window. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNZ8w6clqo4

Of course, what the company doesn’t want to admit is how much of a failure its live service initiative has been or how much it set back its many studios (the ones still around, that is). When it closed 2023 with Naughty Dog cancelling The Last of Us standalone multiplayer title, it probably didn’t expect Helldivers 2 to become such a massive hit. Thus, it continued to fulfill Jim Ryan’s ambitious plan to release over 10 live service titles before April 2026.

It’s now June 2025. The report card currently sits at three more projects confirmed to be cancelled before they even saw the light of day, much less an announcement trailer. SIE London Studio is gone. Bend Studio recently faced layoffs and is apparently trying to come up with something new. Bluepoint Games is still a relative unknown. The rumored Twisted Metal and Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Great Web are allegedly canned. Fairgame$ (which is now reportedly Fairgames sans dollar sign) is in trouble with Haven Studios founder Jade Raymond gone and no updates since the CGI trailer from two years ago. An alleged external playtest was reportedly met with a mixed response, with some apparently describing the battle royale/extraction shooter experience as borrowing elements from Fortnite and The Division.

I forgot that a Horizon multiplayer title was in the works, and you did too.

And I would go, “The less said about Concord, perhaps the biggest first-party failure in Sony’s history, the better.” However, at a reported cost of $200 million, which didn’t include the price of acquiring Firewalk Studios or the game’s rights (and didn’t even fully fund development), that statement doesn’t do enough justice to the sheer damage caused.

Then there’s Marathon, and where do we even begin? An iffy reveal that lacked the energy of the first trailer. “Varied” feedback from its closed alpha, according to Sony – a neat euphemism for “mixed, leaning negative.” Annoyances at the lack of content. And, of course, the controversy involving the unauthorized use of an independent artist’s assets. The damage is apparently so extensive that Bungie hasn’t showcased anything new ever since. Perhaps the biggest positive is that it delayed the game past September 23rd and is looking to polish the game further, including adding proximity chat. As it stands, the most impressive thing is the CG trailer, which may as well exist in a different universe.

Where did it all go so wrong? How did a publisher for some of the greatest triple-A single-player titles in the world fall so far? How did the PS5 have more incredible first-party titles at launch than the entirety of last year (and no, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered doesn’t count)? Yes, there are some great games to look forward to this year, and there’s only a three-month gap or so between Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei, but the future is looking very iffy. The fact that Microsoft, of all companies, has published more titles this year than Sony, both third and first-party, is truly fascinating, and its future first-party offerings look much more enticing between Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, the next Forza, State of Decay 3, Perfect Dark, and Clockwork Revolution.

At what point did the powers that be at Sony decide a brand known for its incredible franchises should sweep them under the rug in favor of making a quick buck? When did it decide that names like Uncharted, Sly Cooper, LittleBigPlanet, Until Dawn (barring the iffy remake), Jak and Daxter, Syphon Filter, MotorStorm, inFamous, Killzone, Resistance, and so on should be kept on ice? Heck, even The Last of Us, for that matter. It’s been five years since The Last of Us Part 2 was released, and there are still no signs of a sequel or any kind of follow-up or continuation. Then again, at least Naughty Dog has other titles in the works, including an announced project that Neil Druckmann is producing.

What makes the situation even sadder is that these decisions are negatively impacting the company itself. Outside of layoffs, there’s also the money and time wasted on these cancelled projects. Imagine if Bluepoint Games was working on the eternally rumored Bloodborne remaster. What if Motorstorm made a comeback with even better visuals and larger environments? What if, and stay with me here, a sequel to Days Gone? The latter seems somewhat possible somewhere down the line, but it’s anyone’s guess as to when.

Is it worse than Sony continuing to invest in Marathon and Fairgames, which could either be duds or disasters in the making? Honestly, choose the lesser evil at this point. Similar to Concord, it’s probably a case of Sony trying to recoup some of the cash already invested in these titles. Sadly, it’s not. In Sony’s recent Fireside Chat with investors, PlayStation Studios head Herment Hulst said the company remains “very committed to building a diverse and resilient live service portfolio.”

While acknowledging the “challenges” of Concord, he added, “We have reviewed our processes to ensure that we’re not going to make those mistakes again. We have introduced much more rigorous processes for validating our creative, commercial, and development assumptions, and we now do that on a much more ongoing basis.” Oh, and the goal with Marathon is to release a “very bold, very innovative and deeply engaging title.” This was before the announced delay, but the message is clear: Sony isn’t done with live service by a long shot, even after all the failures.

The damage isn’t irreparable, especially when considering an entire console generation. You could also argue that Sony doesn’t need to think about how many first-party titles it’s releasing. After all, the PS5 has reportedly earned more profit than the PlayStation 1 through 4 combined. It hosted some excellent third-party games this generation, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Black Myth: Wukong and Silent Hill 2 remake.

There’s even Lost Soul Aside to look forward to, even with the multiple delays throughout the years, to say nothing of all the ChinaHero projects – Daba: Land of Water Scar, Exiledge, The Winds Rising, the list goes on. Granted, AI Limit and Evotinction are games that came and went without much impact, but they’re certainly smaller scale compared to the other heavy hitters.

However, it seems we’ve gone beyond “arrogant Sony” and straight into the realm of “indifferent Sony,” where it seemingly can pivot to and from a failed initiative without worrying that players will stop buying the PS5. And if you don’t get a new game in your favorite franchise, much less a first-party title, well, isn’t that a shame? Maybe in the next generation.

As someone who spent dozens of hours in Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, I still remember looking back on the initial announcement of the initiative and thinking, “Okay, but that’s way too much.” It seemed like Sony didn’t fully grasp why Legends – and even Factions from The Last of Us – was so great and popular, but surely it wouldn’t mess up, right? At this point, with its stubborn commitment to finding some success in the live-service space, I can only hope that it moves forward and sticks to what it does best. The only thing worse than chasing trends that your fans are sick of is chasing those that they never really cared for in the first place.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

A report from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier revealed that this occurred after an alleged external test that caused concern for its developers (who were also left in the dark about the reason for Raymond’s departure). According to the Sacred Symbols Podcast on Patreon (via MauroNL), the pre-alpha was allegedly named Project Hearts and hasn’t received good feedback.

Some of this apparently included that it “doesn’t feel good to play” and currently feels “super clunky.” The gameplay is reportedly “battle royale crossed with an extraction shooter,” featuring elements of Fortnite and Tom Clancy’s The Division.

Of course, beyond conducting heists and running into rival crews, Haven Studios hasn’t detailed or showcased any gameplay. Fairgame$ allegedly won’t launch until Spring 2026, though given Sony’s current stance on live-service projects, it may be cancelled. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, read more about Marathon, another troubled live-service title under Sony.

A spokesperson for PlayStation told Bloomberg, “Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.” Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski have taken over as co-studio heads, with the publisher “committed to supporting Haven Studios and excited to continue the journey.”

Those knowledgeable about the matter told Jason Schreier that the studio was left in the dark about the reason for Raymond’s departure. This followed an alleged external test for Fairgame$ (apparently now going by Fairgames), with some developers reportedly concerned about its progress.

Sources also told Schreier that Fairgame$ was supposed to launch this Fall, but is now targeting Spring 2026 for release (which is in line with a previous rumor). Following the failure of Concord, Sony has cancelled several of its live service projects, including the standalone The Last of Us multiplayer project, a God of War multiplayer title from Bluepoint and a fantasy RPG from SIE London Studio.

Whether Fairgame$ is also shelved remains to be seen. It’s currently in the works for PS5 and PC.

There doesn’t seem to be any hope for a shadow drop this year. On the recent Game Mess Decides, Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb revealed, “No Fairgame$ this year. Fairgame$, as far as I’m aware, has been pushed to 2026.”

It’s somewhat understandable – the staggering failure of Concord reportedly led to Sony reconsidering its live service plans and cancelling projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games. Perhaps it’s taking more time for polish to ensure a satisfactory experience. Maybe there are some overhauls. Either way, it may be a while before it’s playable.

The premise of Fairgame$ sees players as heisters who venture into “forbidden locations” worldwide to steal “cool loot.” Unraveling the “nefarious plans” of billionaires is also on the menu, as the gameplay focuses on emergent sandbox PvP. It’s currently being developed for PS5 and PC. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.