PlayStation's CEO Hermen Hulst has announced a shift in strategy following the failure of the live service game Concord, which cost around $250 million and was shut down shortly after its launch. The company plans to implement more rigorous testing and oversight of its studios to prevent future costly missteps. With the success of Astro Bot, which sold over 2.3 million copies, PlayStation aims to focus more on developing big franchises rather than continuing a path of numerous live service titles. Upcoming games like Ghost of Yōtei and the expected marathon title from Bungie will drive this new approach.

What changes is PlayStation making after the failure of Concord?

PlayStation is enhancing oversight and frequent testing of its studios, shifting focus towards building strong franchises and reducing the number of live service games in development.

Concord was developed by Firewalk Studios and became a notable example of the risks associated with live service games, which often struggle with oversaturation in the market. Conversely, Astro Bot's success showcases the potential for smaller IPs to evolve into significant franchises, demonstrating the importance of strategic planning in game development.