Sony has announced a change of plans regarding its live service video game strategy. During a financial call, the company's president Hiroki Totoki discussed the progress of 12 live service titles initially slated for release by March 2026. Only six of these are now confirmed to launch by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, with the release dates for the remaining games under review.

The decision comes in the wake of challenges faced in the development process, notably with the anticipated multiplayer game for The Last of Us by Naughty Dog experiencing delays. Totoki emphasized the importance of meeting gamers' expectations and delivering quality experiences that can be enjoyed over extended periods.

In February 2022, Sony had outlined its ambition to release more than 10 live service games by 2026, focusing on a broad range of genres to capture diverse audiences. Strategic acquisitions like Bungie (known for Destiny), Haven Studios, and Firewalk Studios were part of Sony's initiative to enhance its live service portfolio.

Current live service projects include haven Studios' competitive heist game titled Fairgame$ and Bungie's PvP shooter Marathon. There is also talk of a Horizon multiplayer game and a co-op action title from PlayStation's London Studio.

Herman Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, acknowledged that the company faces stiff competition in the live service market but expressed confidence in PlayStation's ability to create compelling worlds and narratives recognized for their quality.

This shift in Sony's strategy occurs alongside internal changes and challenges, such as layoffs at Bungie and Media Molecule, with PlayStation boss Jim Ryan's expected retirement in the coming year. Despite these hurdles, the success of Insomniac's Spider-Man 2 and strong sales of the PlayStation 5 console against its competitor, the Xbox Series X|S, highlight the strength of Sony's single-player offerings.