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PlayStation adds live-service shooter Fairgames to its constantly expanding graveyard
PlayStation has cancelled Fairgames, a live-service heist shooter being developed by Haven Studios, after a recent large player test produced mixed feedback and retention below the targets set for the game. The decision adds to Sony’s long list of abandoned online projects as it struggles to repeat the success of Helldivers 2.
Fairgames was announced in 2023 as “Fairgame$”, but its reveal trailer showed no gameplay, and the project had not reappeared publicly since. Bloomberg reports that thousands took part in the test; an internal memo praised operational readiness and community engagement but said player responses and retention fell short. PlayStation says Haven staff will work with other PlayStation Studios teams and explore new projects, with no resulting layoffs.
In short
- PlayStation has cancelled Haven Studios’ Fairgames.
- A test with thousands of players brought mixed feedback and weak retention.
- Haven staff will move to other work, with no layoffs announced.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Cancelling Fairgames after weak retention and mixed test feedback could be a responsible use of time and money: a live-service game needs players to return, and continuing without evidence of demand might waste resources and disappoint players. Reassigning Haven staff also preserves their expertise and gives them a chance to develop projects with stronger prospects.
The case against
The cancellation may reinforce concerns that PlayStation is committing to live-service projects without showing enough of their progress or building confidence in them; Fairgames had been out of public view since its reveal. Ending it after a large test could also mean discarding a project that might have improved with more development, while adding to uncertainty for staff and players who had invested interest in it.