Shawn Layden Slams Live-Service Games

Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden has harshly criticized the live-service model, which the company has focused on in recent years. He described Sony’s shift away from single-player experiences and towards multiplayer, long-form games as “misguided” and argued that this approach undermines the essence of games.

Shawn Layden Describes the Live-Service Model as “A Loop, Not a Game”

Shawn Layden stated that live-service productions distort the very concept of gaming. He believes such projects neglect storytelling and character depth, aiming solely to keep the player engaged. Layden bluntly stated, “A game has three fundamental elements: story, character, and world. Live-service games have none of these.”

Layden’s statements are a direct criticism of PlayStation’s current strategy. Sony has recently aimed to gain a greater presence in the multiplayer market with 12 live-service projects. However, most of these projects have yet to succeed. Only Helldivers 2 stood out as a production approved during Layden’s tenure and garnered widespread acclaim from gamers.

Layden believes that such projects discourage companies from being creative. He noted that games like Fortnite, Overwatch 2, and League of Legends have dominated the market for years, saying, “There hasn’t been a new winner in this space. Everyone is offering the same game with a different flavor.” With these words, he openly opposed Sony’s desire to create “their own Fortnite.”

Citing the success of Helldivers 2, Layden stated that the game stands out due to its community-centered structure. He stated that the PvE format, where players connect and compete collectively, offers an alternative to the current live-service approach. Sony’s announcement that it will re-emphasize single-player narratives is also considered in line with Layden’s criticisms.

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