I’ve been playing games for ages, and it’s amazing how popular live-service games have become! Titles like Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, and Roblox are just huge right now, and they keep players hooked for years. They’re definitely a big part of the gaming world these days.
According to data from Circana’s Mat Piscatella, over 70% of PlayStation 5 and Xbox gamers in the U.S. played one or more of the ten most popular live-service games just in January.
It’s easy to see why so many gaming studios have been trying desperately to cash in on the trend.
Shawn Layden, a former executive at PlayStation, has a different take on live-service games. In an interview with The Ringer, he argued that he doesn’t see these types of games as true games at all.
According to Layden, games that constantly require ongoing updates and engagement aren’t really ‘games’ in the traditional sense. He describes them as more of a continuous cycle of tasks and activities.
His comments follow increasing concerns about whether the live-service game model can continue to work well and how it fits with the way games have traditionally been made.
Sony has been actively trying to succeed in the growing market for games designed to be played indefinitely – often called “forever games.” However, even with PlayStation’s strong position in the gaming world, their efforts haven’t been overwhelmingly successful so far.
Concord, released in August 2024, quickly became a major disappointment. It received very negative reviews and was removed from sale just weeks later, reportedly costing Sony around $400 million.
Why Layden Thinks Live-Service Games Miss the Point
Layden was in charge of PlayStation during the development of many popular and highly-rated games, such as God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Uncharted 4.
He believes a good game needs three key elements: a compelling story, a relatable character, and an immersive world. However, he notes that live-service games only require a simple, repeatable action that’s easy for players to understand.
For Layden, those elements are what make a game memorable.
He believes that many games designed for ongoing play prioritize repetitive tasks over building a meaningful connection with players.
He’s raising concerns as many publishers, including the one he used to work for, are putting a lot of money into creating ongoing, evolving online experiences.
Unfortunately, the results haven’t always been positive.
I’ve noticed some games just don’t keep me hooked for very long after they come out. And honestly, it’s super frustrating when it feels like a studio cares more about getting me to spend money on stuff inside the game, or just making me grind the same things over and over, than actually telling a good story. It really kills the experience, you know?
Justin Richmond, Uncharted 2’s multiplayer designer, shared a similar sentiment.
I’m part of a small group of people who had success in the past – about five or six years ago. It’s great because I have friends to play with regularly, but it means I don’t have much time to explore new things.
Today, nearly every attempt at a new live-service title tends to be met with negative reception.
However, some games stand out from the trend. Helldivers 2 is a recent success, gaining popularity with players due to its engaging gameplay and fun moments.
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2025-10-25 14:07