In a nutshell
- PlayStation has officially canceled Fairgames, the multiplayer shooter that had been in development at Haven Studios since its 2023 reveal.
- Sony confirmed that no layoffs will occur following the cancellation, with Haven Studios shifting to other PlayStation Studios projects and new creative opportunities.
- The decision follows mixed feedback and retention results from a recent large-scale player test, marking another setback for PlayStation’s live-service ambitions.
PlayStation has officially pulled the plug on Fairgames, the long-running multiplayer shooter being developed by Montreal-based Haven Studios, marking another major setback in Sony’s ongoing live-service initiative.
The game, first unveiled during a PlayStation Showcase in 2023, had spent years in development and reportedly underwent multiple reworks as the team attempted to refine its direction. Despite those efforts, Sony has decided to cease development following the results of a recent player test.
Fairgames Canceled After Mixed Player Testing Results
According to an internal message reviewed by Bloomberg, PlayStation executives Sean Decker and John Doyle informed employees that a recent large-scale test involving thousands of players failed to meet the company’s expectations.
While the test reportedly demonstrated strong operational performance, readiness for live-service support, and healthy community engagement, player retention and overall feedback did not hit the targets PlayStation had established for the project.
Sony also cited the increasingly difficult conditions within the competitive PvP shooter market as a contributing factor behind the decision.
Haven Studios Will Continue Under PlayStation
Despite the cancellation, Sony confirmed that no layoffs will result from the decision.
In a statement, a PlayStation spokesperson said Haven Studios will shift its focus toward collaborating with other teams across PlayStation Studios while simultaneously exploring new creative opportunities for the future.
The move allows the studio to remain operational despite the termination of what had been its flagship project.
Another Blow to Sony’s Live-Service Strategy
Fairgames was originally positioned as part of Sony’s ambitious plan to expand beyond traditional single-player experiences and establish a stronger presence in the live-service market.
The company previously announced intentions to launch more than a dozen live-service titles, hoping to create long-term engagement and recurring revenue streams through ongoing content updates and in-game purchases. However, that strategy has faced repeated challenges over the past several years. Fairgames now joins a growing list of canceled PlayStation projects as Sony reevaluates its multiplayer and live-service portfolio.
