Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
Latest coverage
Blizzard Admits It Messed Up Overwatch’s 10th Anniversary Event, but Insists It’s ‘Happy With Where the Game Is Today’
Blizzard Entertainment has acknowledged community dissatisfaction with the recent Overwatch 10th Anniversary event. Despite the backlash, the company expressed confidence in the current state and future direction of the game.
Ubisoft Confirms New Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon Games by 2029
Ubisoft has confirmed plans to release new titles in its Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon franchises by fiscal year 2029, aiming to recover from record financial losses. The company also intends to leverage Artificial Intelligence in game development and enhance its live service offerings with titles like Rainbow Six Siege.
Sony Files New PlayStation Videogame Trademark For “Break In”
Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a new trademark for a video game titled "Break In" in both European and US patent offices. This filing has led to speculation that it could be a new title or a rebranding of the live-service project Fairgames, developed by Haven Studios. The significance of this trademark is expected to be revealed during an upcoming State of Play presentation.
Sony Trademarks New PS5 Game 'Break In', Registers Several Social Media Accounts
Sony has filed a trademark for a new PlayStation 5 game titled 'Break In' and registered associated social media accounts. Speculation suggests it may be a rebranding of Haven Studios' 'Fairgames' due to similarities in theme and a recent closed beta phase. The announcement is anticipated during an upcoming State of Play event.
Ubisoft confirms new Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon games are in the works and will launch by March 2029, alongside the 'first playable Generative AI experience'
Ubisoft has announced plans to release new titles in its Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon franchises by March 2029, aiming for higher quality standards following recent restructuring. The company is also developing its first playable Generative AI experience to enhance player engagement and development efficiency. Despite a projected low point in free cash flow for FY2026-27 due to restructuring costs and a softer release slate, Ubisoft is focused on growing its live service games and delivering new content.
PC Game Pass Revenue Growth Outpaces Traditional Console Market In 2026
Microsoft's Q3 2026 earnings reveal a significant decline in Xbox hardware revenue, contrasting with the surge in the PC gaming market. The company is recalibrating its strategy to prioritize PC Game Pass, lowering its subscription price to attract the vast PC player base and combat high churn rates by focusing on esports and live service games for retention.
Quantic Dream shuts down Spellcasters Chronicles, offers refunds
Quantic Dream has announced the shutdown of its live service game, Spellcasters Chronicles, just three months after its release due to a lack of audience. Servers will remain active until June 19th, 2026, and the studio is offering refunds to players. This decision will not affect the development of Star Wars Eclipse.
Ubisoft's full FY26 financial report shows a sharp decline in revenue and net bookings
Ubisoft reported a significant decline in revenue and net bookings for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, attributing it to a softer release schedule and restructuring costs. The company anticipates this year to be a low point for free cash flow, with a rebound expected in FY27-28. Despite financial challenges, key live service titles like Rainbow Six Siege and Assassin's Creed continue to show strong engagement.
Another live service game is dead just a few months after launch
Quantic Dream has announced the closure of its live service MOBA, Spellcasters Chronicles, just three months after its launch. The studio cited a lack of audience for long-term sustainability and will be refocusing on other projects, with development halted and likely layoffs occurring. The game will remain playable until June 19, with refunds available for early access purchases.
Reaction: Sony's Big State of Play Must Deliver as PS5 Perception Sinks to an All-Time Low
The perception of Sony's PlayStation brand and the PlayStation 5 has significantly declined due to factors like failed live service game ventures and hardware price hikes, despite strong sales. An upcoming State of Play event is crucial for Sony to regain player faith, especially with Marvel's Wolverine confirmed as a headliner, but the success of the showcase hinges on avoiding missteps like revealing underperforming live service titles.
Star Wars Eclipse Development “Continues” As Studio Cancels MOBA Months After Launch
Quantic Dream is shutting down its live-service game Spellcasters Chronicles, which launched in February, due to market challenges. The studio confirmed that development on Star Wars Eclipse is unaffected and continues as planned. The company also mentioned an internal reorganization but did not specify if layoffs would occur.
Quantic Dream Shutting Down Title Spellcasters Chronicles
Quantic Dream is shutting down its live service MOBA, Spellcasters Chronicles, due to a lack of audience, with servers going offline on June 19th. The studio, acquired by NetEase in 2025, will refocus on other projects, including the narrative Star Wars game Star Wars Eclipse, though layoffs are anticipated. Players who made in-game purchases can request refunds.
We Have to Talk About Live Service, After Heavy Rain Dev's Online Gambit Is Scrapped
Quantic Dream has canceled its free-to-play competitive shooter Spellcasters Chronicles, citing a challenging market environment and low player numbers. The studio will undergo reorganisation, though development on Star Wars Eclipse is unaffected. The article discusses the difficulties in breaking into the crowded live service game market, contrasting it with the success of titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty.
Detroit: Become Human Dev Quantic Dream Kills Live Service Game 3 Months After Early Access Launch, Insists Star Wars Eclipse ‘Continues as Planned’
Quantic Dream has canceled its live service game, Spellcasters Chronicles, only three months after its early access launch. Despite this cancellation, the studio confirmed that Star Wars Eclipse is still proceeding as planned.
PlayStation State of Play returns on 2nd June with Wolverine for Summer Game Fest
Sony announced that its State of Play stream will return on June 2nd, featuring 60 minutes of updates and gameplay ahead of Summer Game Fest. The showcase will include a closer look at Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine, with a release date of September 15th exclusively for PlayStation 5. Other potential reveals include Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls and updates on Sony's live service strategy.
Star Wars Eclipse Development "Continues" As Studio Cancels MOBA Months After Launch
Quantic Dream is shutting down its live-service game Spellcasters Chronicles on June 19, offering refunds to players. The studio confirmed that development on Star Wars Eclipse continues as planned, despite previous reports casting doubt on its status. The shutdown of Spellcasters Chronicles is attributed to a challenging market environment, and the company is undergoing an internal reorganization.
Games Inbox: Is PlayStation right to abandon the PC?
Readers discuss Sony Interactive Entertainment's strategy regarding PC releases, with some seeing a move away from PC as a positive sign for more single-player focused games. There's also commentary on the state of Xbox, the potential for a big-budget Transformers game, and praise for Forza Horizon 6's refined arcade racing experience.
State of Play Announced for June 2nd, Includes New Look at Marvel’s Wolverine
Sony announced the next State of Play presentation will air on June 2nd, featuring over 60 minutes of game updates and reveals. The showcase will include a closer look at Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine, with details on combat and potential pricing. Other anticipated titles like Naughty Dog's Intergalactic, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Silent Hill: Townfall, and Fairgame$ may also be featured.
Star Wars Eclipse “Continues as Planned” As Studio Shutters Live Service Game and May Face Layoffs
Quantic Dream has discontinued its live service game Spellcasters Chronicles due to a lack of audience and is undergoing an internal reorganization, though the studio stated Star Wars Eclipse is unaffected and continues as planned. The developer acknowledged the difficult market environment and the need for a disciplined approach, while not commenting on potential layoffs due to legal processes in France.
Transformers to finally get a big budget video game as Hasbro invests millions
Hasbro is investing $1 billion into developing traditional video games, focusing on action-adventure and RPG titles for PC and console, and explicitly avoiding live service models. CEO Chris Cocks indicated that new games based on franchises like Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering are in development. The company aims to build its own games internally after previously licensing its properties.
