Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
Latest coverage
MMO Business Roundup: Stop Killing Games’ setback, Sony’s PC games, and Amazon’s cloud service aspirations
Stop Killing Games faced a setback as the EU confirmed it will not change laws to cover game shutdowns but will work on an industry code of conduct. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that PC releases, especially for live-service games, remain a standard strategy for Sony. Amazon continues to operate and promote its Luna cloud gaming service, aiming to increase its visibility among Prime members.
Thank you, Bungie
A writer reflects on returning to Destiny 2 after a period of anger over its perceived mismanagement and layoffs, finding solace in experiencing the game's conclusion. The author expresses gratitude to Bungie for the memories and the opportunity to witness the end of one of the greatest live service games.
PS5 Maker Admits First-Party Single Player Games Are Its 'Core Strength'
Sony acknowledges that first-party single-player games are its core strength, aiming for consistent annual releases while continuing to build its portfolio of live service games. The company plans to balance major single-player blockbusters with multiplayer titles, citing upcoming games like God of War Laufey and Marvel's Wolverine as examples of its commitment to this strategy.
Evidence of Diablo 4 coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 ramps up, as Blizzard Entertainment's RPG gets another rating
Further evidence suggests Diablo 4 may be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, as the game received a rating from the Taiwan Entertainment Software Rating board for the platform. This rating, which has since been removed, follows a similar incident with the Indonesian Game Rating System. Former franchise manager Rod Fergusson previously noted the potential for Diablo titles on Switch 2, citing challenges with live services on the platform.
Roblox details how much creators will pay for brand integrations
Roblox has announced its new monetization policy for brand integrations, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. Creators will be charged on a cost-per-mille (CPM) basis, with rates varying by region. The company aims for transparency and precision in pricing for brands and creators. Separately, Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly shifting its strategy for PC releases, prioritizing PlayStation exclusivity for single-player narrative games while continuing to release live-service titles on both PC and PlayStation 5.
Report: PlayStation changed first-party single-player PC strategy due to lack of revenue
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy for releasing first-party single-player games on PC, with CEO Hideaki Nishino confirming that such titles will now be exclusive to PlayStation platforms due to insufficient revenue. Live-service games, however, will continue to be released on both PC and PlayStation 5 to reach a wider audience.
Newzoo: Global games market made over $200bn in 2025
The global games market generated over $200 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 9.1% year-on-year increase. Mobile gaming accounted for 56% of this revenue, while PC and console gaming each took 22%. China and the United States were the largest markets, contributing over half of the global spending.
How to get the Anarchy Exotic Catalyst in Destiny 2
The Anarchy Exotic Catalyst is now available in Destiny 2, years after the weapon's initial release. Players can obtain it by completing Vanguard, Crucible, or Gambit Ops activities, Exotic Orders, or by defeating Insurrection Prime in the Pantheon. While Ops playlists offer a chance at the Catalyst among other rewards, Exotic Orders provide a more guaranteed acquisition, though they require completing prior orders and difficult tasks. Defeating Insurrection Prime also has a low chance of dropping the Catalyst, with methods available to farm the encounter efficiently.
PlayStation’s Inconsistency of PC Releases and Lack of Revenue Led to Recent Exclusivity Shift – Rumor
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy, making single-player narrative games exclusive to PlayStation consoles due to inconsistent PC release performance and insufficient revenue. While live-service titles will still launch on PC alongside PlayStation 5, plans for PC ports of games like Ghost of Yōtei have been scrapped. This decision was apparently made recently, impacting future game releases.
Sony Confirms Exclusivity On Single-Player Experiences for PlayStation, Live-Service Titles To Get PC Releases
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino has outlined the company's strategy for platform exclusivity, indicating that single-player titles developed in-house will remain exclusive to PlayStation. However, live-service games with online components may receive PC releases to broaden their audience. This approach contrasts with Xbox's strategy, suggesting a renewed focus on console exclusivity in the industry.
Sony Won’t Quite Say Single-Player PC Ports Are Dead, But It Sure Sounds That Way
Sony CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that while single-player PlayStation games will not be prioritized for PC ports, the company remains committed to releasing multiplayer and live service titles on PC. This indicates a strategic shift in Sony's approach to its PC gaming presence.
PlayStation CEO responds to reports Sony is abandoning PC, seemingly confirms big single-player games will be PS5…
PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that Sony will prioritize PlayStation 5 exclusivity for its in-house developed single-player games, while live-service titles will continue to be released on both PS5 and PC. This strategy shift suggests a move away from the multiplatform releases previously seen with titles like Horizon and The Last of Us, aligning with reports that PlayStation is re-evaluating its PC release strategy for major first-party games.
'There's No Ambiguity in Sony's Strategy': Trusted Journalist on PS5's Exclusivity Approach After Wishy-Washy CEO Statement
Journalist Jason Schreier stated there is no ambiguity in Sony's strategy to keep single-player PlayStation games exclusive to its platform, citing internal communications from Hermen Hulst. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino's recent comments to Famitsu were carefully worded, suggesting PC releases will be considered on a case-by-case basis for individual titles, while live service games will continue to launch on both PlayStation 5 and PC.
Sony Finally Speaks on PC Cancellations, Wants to Enhance Value of PS5
Sony PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that the company's decision to release games on PC is determined by each title's characteristics. While first-party single-player games will focus on enhancing the PlayStation 5 experience, live service games will continue to be released on both PlayStation 5 and PC to maximize player reach.
KRAFTON ANNOUNCES 2026 STEAM PUBLISHER SALE
KRAFTON announced its 2026 Steam Publisher Sale, offering discounts of up to 85% on over 30 PC titles, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, My Little Puppy, and Dinkum. The sale runs through June 25th on Steam and also highlights upcoming games like Age Twisters and PUBG: Black Budget.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
PlayStation’s Marathon Bet Looks Like It’s Already Backfiring
Marathon, Bungie's extraction shooter, is struggling to maintain player numbers on Steam despite a recent season update and a free week, falling significantly from its launch peak. The game's high development cost, estimated at $200-250 million, coupled with Sony's reported $765 million in impairment losses related to Bungie's portfolio, suggests significant financial pressure. The article questions the viability of Marathon as a live-service title given its hardcore PvP focus and the market saturation, especially after Destiny 2's end of support.
Snowpiercer’s Whole Shtick Makes For An Interesting Shooter
Enginefall is a PvPvE first-person shooter that draws inspiration from the extraction subgenre, featuring a unique premise based on the movie Snowpiercer. Players scavenge resources from large trains while managing threats from other players and AI enemies. The game aims to balance violence and peace, rewarding both playstyles, and its core gameplay loop involves progressing through train cars for better loot, with mechanics for extraction and base building.
Business and Finance
In the past fiscal year, PC gaming platform Steam accounted for over 20% of Capcom's total revenue, nearly double the share generated by PlayStation. The article also touches on the nature of live service games, comparing them to hidden MMO subscriptions.
Crytek Strengthens Global Publishing with Appointment of Zoher Toutanji as Chief Publishing Officer
Crytek has appointed Zoher Toutanji as its new Chief Publishing Officer to lead global publishing operations and expand the company's self-publishing capabilities. Toutanji, formerly of IO Interactive, Riot Games, Square Enix, and Ubisoft, will oversee publishing strategy and commercial operations, supporting Crytek's live-service portfolio and future titles like Hunt: Showdown. This move is part of Crytek's long-term strategy to strengthen its global commercial presence and drive sustainable growth.