Sony Acknowledges Challenges in Live Service Game Transition

Following disappointing launches for titles Marathon and Concord, Sony’s Chief Financial Officer Lin Tao has conceded that the company’s shift towards live service games is facing hurdles. Speaking during a recent Q&A session, as reported by VGC, Tao addressed concerns surrounding these projects while simultaneously highlighting successes within the division.

Acknowledging negative publicity related to Marathon and Concord, Tao emphasized the significant evolution of Sony’s strategy in recent years. Five years ago, live service games were largely absent from PlayStation Studios’ portfolio. Today, titles such as Helldivers 2, MLB The Show, Gran Turismo 7, and Destiny 2 contribute to ongoing sales and profitability, establishing a degree of stability within the segment. While Destiny 2 initially launched in 2017, its continued presence underscores Sony’s investment in the live service model despite recent performance fluctuations.

Tao indicated that live service games accounted for approximately 40% of revenue during the first quarter, projecting a full-year contribution of around 20-30%. She characterized this transition as “not entirely going smoothly,” but asserted that significant progress has been made over the past five years. The CFO’s comments reflected an assessment of long-term trends rather than immediate setbacks, suggesting ongoing adjustments and refinements to Sony’s live service approach.