PlayStation Reaffirms Commitment to Live Service Games Despite Concord Setback

PlayStation Studios CEO Herman Hulst has reiterated the company’s commitment to live service games, even after the high-profile failure of Concord. Speaking with Japanese outlet Famitsu, Hulst emphasized that the gaming industry’s competitive nature requires adaptation but that players’ desire for exceptional entertainment remains a constant.

Hulst acknowledged the need for a more sustainable approach to their live service ambitions, stating, “We have had to make changes to our business to solidify a more sustainable operating base.” Despite setbacks like Concord, PlayStation plans to maintain a balance between live service titles and its celebrated single-player story-driven games.

Hulst pointed to Helldivers 2 as a recent success story. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, the co-op shooter demonstrated the potential of these games with consistent content updates and strong player engagement. “Helldivers 2 attracted many players through continuous content provision, achieving results that support the potential of live service titles,” he said.

Although Concord was pulled from storefronts and developer Firewalk Studios shut down, Hulst’s statements show that Sony views such failures as part of the learning process for mastering live service game development. He expressed confidence in PlayStation’s ability to create high-quality live service experiences moving forward.

While the failures of Concord raised concerns about the viability of live service titles within PlayStation’s portfolio, successes like Helldivers 2 provide the company with reasons to continue its efforts. Hulst’s reaffirmation suggests PlayStation remains committed to striking a balance between these games and its core identity of delivering beloved single-player experiences.

Curious about what makes Helldivers 2 a standout live service title? You can grab the game now on Windows PC via Steam or PlayStation 5 and see for yourself.

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