Sony Interactive Entertainment had a controversial 2024 in terms of its selection of live service games. Helldivers 2 was one of the surprise hits, receiving multiple nominations at The Game Awards. On the other side of the spectrum is the devastating launch and closure of Concord. Despite these recent failures, the gaming giant still intends to explore the live service space.
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Herman Hulst says they will continue to focus on live service gaming
In a recent interview with Famitsu, SIE CEO Herman Hulst discussed their successes and failures in live service gaming. He credits competition as one of the main driving factors for Sony’s recent change in strategy for live service.
“The game business is constantly changing due to various factors, including technological advances, new genres and ways of playing,” said Hulst. “However, one thing that remains constant is people’s desire for great entertainment experiences, and attention to games continues to grow.”
“However, this has also created competition, and like many companies in the industry, we have had to make changes to our business to solidify a more sustainable operating base. Going forward, we will continue to focus on developing live service titles along with the story-driven single-player titles that our players want.”
Hulst also mentioned that Sony is still learning as they continue to develop live service titles. He specifically names Helldivers 2 as proof of the genres potential.
“We are learning a lot as we establish the ability to develop high-quality live service titles within SIE,” says Hulst. “Helldivers 2 attracted many players through continuous content provision, and achieved results that support the potential of live service titles.”
Concord launched in August 2024 and was only online for two weeks. The servers officially closed in the beginning of September. Just two months after the game went offline, Sony shuttered developer Firewalk Studios. Although claims of its budget were debated, no one can argue it is one of SIE’s biggest flops.
(Source: Famitsu)
