Herman Hulst Discusses PlayStation’s Lessons from Live Service Challenges such as Concord

Insights from Herman Hulst on Sony’s Live Service Challenges

Herman Hulst, the former head of Guerrilla Games and current CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Studio Group, recently shared insights with the Financial Times (paywalled) regarding Sony’s foray into live service gaming. Despite acknowledging the current struggles of Sony in this area, Hulst emphasized the company’s commitment to learning from past challenges, specifically referencing the failure of the game Concord. He expressed a preference for early and cost-effective failures over prolonged, expensive ones.

“I don’t want teams to always play it safe, but I would like for us, when we fail, to fail early and cheaply, ”Hulst conveyed.“We have since put in place much more rigorous and more frequent testing in many different ways. The advantage of every failure […] is that people now understand how necessary that [oversight] is.”

The Shifting Landscape of PlayStation’s Live Service Goals

Initially, when PlayStation launched its live service initiative, led by Hulst and former Sony head Jim Ryan, the goal was to release 10 live service titles by March 2026. However, this target now appears increasingly unattainable as most of the intended projects have either been cancelled or significantly delayed. Notably, Hulst downplayed the importance of quantity, stating that the “number of [live services releases] is not so important.”

Focus on Diversity and Original IP

Hulst emphasized a commitment to developing a diverse range of player experiences and fostering vibrant gaming communities. This ambition is closely tied to the creation of original intellectual properties (IPs) such as Concord. He remarked:

“We take a very intentional approach to IP creation […] understanding how a new concept can turn into an iconic franchise for PlayStation, that can then become a franchise for people beyond gaming.”

The Challenge of Concord

The recent launch of Concord was marked by disappointment; the game lasted only two weeks before being taken offline, resulting in significant financial loss for Sony. The closure of Firewalk Studios following this failure remains a poignant reminder of the risks associated with Sony’s live service endeavors, cementing itself in the memories of fans.

Concerns Over Future Titles

Recent rumors cast doubt on the future of Fairgames, Haven Studios’ upcoming live service game. While these rumors have been refuted, the departure of Jade Raymond, the studio’s founder, early this year raises concerns regarding the game’s direction and viability.

Lessons Yet to Be Learned

In light of these developments, the challenges facing PlayStation could be described as significant. Hulst’s acknowledgment of the need for learning is a positive step forward. However, successful implementation of these lessons remains to be seen. The gaming community is keenly observing whether Sony can avoid past pitfalls as it navigates its live service strategy going forward.

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