What's Happening?
Haven Studios recently conducted a pre-alpha playtest for their upcoming game, Fairgames, under the codename 'espresso'. The game, which features a mode called 'Cargo Heist', is an extraction-based experience where players loot, break vaults, and extract.
However, the playtest revealed significant challenges, as the game struggles to 'find the fun', according to sources familiar with the development. The gameplay, which resembles titles like The Division or Call of Duty, has been criticized for its movement, NPCs, and class system. The playtest feedback, shared on Discord, highlighted a substantial amount of negative player feedback, with many players finding the game incomplete or boring. Despite the colorful reveal trailer, the game has adopted a more grounded color palette. The development team faces the challenge of addressing these issues to enhance the game's appeal.
Why It's Important?
The feedback from the Fairgames playtest is crucial for Haven Studios as it highlights the challenges in developing a successful extraction shooter. This genre, while niche, has potential for growth, but the current state of Fairgames suggests it may not yet meet player expectations. The negative feedback could impact the game's future success and PlayStation's ambitions in the games-as-a-service (GaaS) market. With competitors like 10 Chambers' Den of Wolves offering similar experiences, Haven Studios must address these issues to capture a significant player base. The outcome of this development process could influence PlayStation's strategy in the extraction shooter genre and its broader GaaS goals.
What's Next?
Haven Studios will likely need to make significant adjustments to Fairgames based on the playtest feedback. This could involve refining gameplay mechanics, improving the class system, and enhancing the overall player experience. The development team may conduct further playtests to gather additional feedback and ensure the game meets player expectations. As the game progresses, PlayStation will need to evaluate whether Fairgames can achieve the desired player engagement and contribute to its GaaS strategy. The success of Fairgames could influence future investments in similar genres and the development of new gaming experiences.
