What's Happening?
PlayStation Studios, led by Hermen Hulst, is reevaluating its approach to live service games following the failure of the first-person shooter Concord. Initially, Sony planned to release 10 live service titles to diversify its offerings and generate recurring revenue. However, after Concord's closure, the company is prioritizing quality over quantity. Hulst emphasized the importance of diverse player experiences and communities, implementing more rigorous testing and intelligence sharing among studios. This shift aims to prevent costly failures and foster creative freedom while aligning with Sony's growth objectives.
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Why It's Important?
The strategic shift by PlayStation Studios reflects broader industry trends where companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable and engaging gaming experiences. By prioritizing quality, Sony aims to strengthen its brand and maintain its competitive edge in the gaming market. This approach could lead to more innovative and successful games, benefiting both players and the company financially. The emphasis on creating intellectual properties that extend beyond gaming into other media forms aligns with Sony's goal of becoming an entertainment powerhouse, potentially increasing its influence and revenue streams.
What's Next?
Sony's new strategy involves fostering closer relationships between executives and encouraging creative risks within its development teams. The company plans to continue rigorous testing and intelligence sharing to ensure the success of future projects. This approach may lead to more cancellations of underperforming projects, as seen with recent decisions at Bluepoint, Bend Studio, and Firesprite. Sony's focus on creating adaptable franchises suggests potential expansions into anime, film, and television, further solidifying its position in the entertainment industry.
