Talking Point: Sony, Don’t Re-Reveal Fairgames at the Next State of Play

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I hesitate to say this, but Sony, please don’t even think about bringing Fairgames back at next month’s State of Play.

No matter how great the game appears or how sure you are about Haven’s abilities, I’m predicting it won’t be well-received.

I don’t want to be negative, but with my experience, I know this plan just won’t work.

If “Break In” is the new name for the heist game, I believe the platform owner should announce it outside of the main State of Play presentation.

Look, I know it sounds crazy, but I really don’t think the publisher should be showing off that new game during their livestream. I’ve seen this happen before – a lot, actually – and it rarely goes well. It just feels like a bad idea, honestly.

Your audience is made up of dedicated, passionate players, and they really dislike the idea of a constantly updated ‘live service’ game. It would likely create a negative reaction and isn’t good for the game’s community.

I know what you’re thinking – “But seriously, everyone trashed Horizon Hunters Gathering, and Sony didn’t even show it off at State of Play!” You’re right to call me out on that!

You’re right! However, the public’s reaction to the game’s announcement on the PlayStation Blog was already strong, and it would have been far more negative if it had been revealed during a live event.

Most of us probably still recall the disappointment surrounding Highguard – it wasn’t that long ago, after all. While hero shooters in general are struggling a bit, Highguard really suffered because it was announced last at The Game Awards, which seemed to kill any initial excitement.

I believe the strong anticipation and excitement surrounding that game led to a very successful launch, with a lot of people eager to try it out.

The game immediately faced intense criticism, and being prominently featured at Geoff Keighley’s awards show only amplified the backlash. It never had a chance to overcome that negative first impression.

I really sympathize with the team at Haven. They clearly just want to create a game that players will enjoy, and it’s obvious they’re working incredibly hard and passionately on it.

PlayStation fans can be very demanding. Sony has fostered a community that strongly prefers single-player games, and while that shouldn’t stop them from making multiplayer titles, they need to be strategic about how they introduce them.

I don’t believe State of Play, given its dedicated and passionate fanbase, is the right place for this. Even if it seems appealing at first, fans will quickly recognize it as a re-packaged version of Fairgames, and there will be a strong negative reaction. This is unavoidable.

I really believe the company would be better served by focusing on games fans are asking for, like Marvel’s Wolverine, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and the latest God of War title.

We all generally understand what kinds of games people are hoping to see during a State of Play presentation.

There’s no need to abandon Fairgames completely. Just showcase it in a new way, in a location where it’s most likely to thrive.

You’ll always find critics, but State of Play has effectively ended the run for games like these.

Sony has established a new approach since acquiring Concord, and now needs to adapt and embrace it.

Look, I think there’s a way to bring Fairgames back without causing a huge online drama, but honestly, I don’t think State of Play is the right platform for it. It just feels like a bad fit, and it’d probably end up being a disaster.

Gaming communities and the internet can be frustrating places, and PlayStation needs to deal with that reality. Ignoring these issues won’t make them go away, and I’m predicting it will backfire if they try.

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2026-05-21 21:37