Sony Interactive Entertainment is reaffirming its commitment to single-player games despite heavy investment in live-service titles over recent years. The company plans to release at least one major single-player game annually, starting in the next fiscal year. This announcement comes on the heels of Sony’s Q2 2024 financial report, which revealed a strong performance for its gaming division, even considering the high-profile failure of the live-service game Concord.
Single-Player Success Amidst Live-Service Challenges
Concord, a hero shooter launched earlier this year, struggled to gain traction, peaking at a mere 697 concurrent players on Steam, according to SteamDB. Sony subsequently took the game offline just two weeks after its release, eventually shutting it down and closing developer Firewalk Studios. Sony has also faced challenges with Destiny 2 developer Bungie, which has undergone layoffs and restructuring, including the creation of a new studio within PlayStation.
Astro Bot dresses up as Kratos.
Despite these setbacks, Sony’s single-player titles have performed well. The family-friendly platformer Astro Bot has emerged as a significant success, selling over 1.5 million copies in its first nine weeks. Notably, 37% of Astro Bot purchasers hadn’t bought a Sony first-party game in the past two years, demonstrating its ability to attract new players. It currently holds the highest Metacritic rating for a 2024 game, tied with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Balancing Single-Player Strengths with Live-Service Ambitions
Sony’s strategy, as outlined in its Q2 2024 presentation transcript, focuses on building a balanced portfolio. This approach combines the predictable success of single-player games based on established intellectual property (IP) with the potential upside of live-service games, while acknowledging the inherent risks associated with the latter. This commitment to single-player experiences reinforces the company’s strength in developing narrative-driven titles.
Future of Sony’s Gaming Landscape
This strategy translates into a continued focus on major single-player releases based on popular franchises. Upcoming titles include Ghost of Yotei (the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima), Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Marvel’s Wolverine. While unconfirmed, potential future single-player projects could include a new Final Fantasy 7 Remake installment, another God of War game, the conclusion of the Horizon trilogy, and additional Marvel titles hinted at in the Insomniac Games leak.
Sony also plans to refine its live-service approach, leveraging lessons learned from Concord‘s development and shutdown. This includes improving live-service game processes to enhance future offerings. Beyond these developments, Sony has also seen strong sales of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2, while a live-service shooter, has proven successful on both PC and PlayStation 5.
Continued Focus on Quality Gaming Experiences
Sony’s commitment to single-player games alongside its refined live-service strategy suggests a balanced approach to providing high-quality gaming experiences. This dual focus caters to a broad audience, ensuring a diverse range of titles for players to enjoy. By leveraging its established IP and development expertise, Sony aims to continue delivering compelling single-player narratives while exploring the evolving landscape of live-service gaming.
