PlayStation remains firmly dedicated to expanding its live service portfolio, according to executives from Sony Interactive Entertainment. In a recent fireside chat with investors, CEO Hideaki Nishino and Hermen Hulst, head of the Studio Business Group, discussed their ongoing efforts to build a robust collection of live service games. 
While praising the success of titles like Helldivers 2, Hulst acknowledged the missteps with Concord, explaining that the game lacked enough differentiation in a highly competitive market.
Despite the failure of Concord, Sony’s commitment to live services remains strong, with major franchises such as MLB The Show, Destiny 2, and Helldivers 2 already in their portfolio. These games, which have fostered active player communities, represent the type of live services Sony aims to develop moving forward. Hulst also shared that lessons learned from Helldivers 2, particularly in monetization through microtransactions, have shaped Sony’s strategy, with the game’s success proving the potential of well-executed live services.
As PlayStation prepares for the launch of Marathon, the first new title from Bungie in over a decade, the company is focused on delivering a unique, innovative experience. Hulst emphasized the importance of learning from player feedback, particularly from the closed alpha tests, and iterating on the game’s development to ensure its success. With a goal of creating an engaging title that stands apart from other live service games, PlayStation is determined to avoid repeating the mistakes made with Concord and ensure that Marathon finds a strong player base.
Marathon, set to release on September 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X, will face the challenge of standing out in a crowded market, but PlayStation is optimistic about the game’s potential, taking advantage of its extensive testing and development process to refine the final product.