PlayStation Live-Service Fairgames Faces Fresh Playtest Doubts as Team Tries to Nail the Fun Factor
Haven Studios’ upcoming PlayStation live-service shooter Fairgames is facing renewed questions about its progress after a recent round of playtesting reportedly produced widespread negative feedback.
The title, announced for PlayStation 5 and PC, is positioned as a heist-focused extraction shooter in a crowded online multiplayer market.
According to reporting by Insider Gaming, participants in the latest test described the game as still struggling to find a compelling loop, with criticism aimed at movement, NPC behavior, and core systems such as classes.
The report also suggested some players stopped after only a handful of matches, a common warning sign for retention in live-service design.
What the playtest feedback suggests?
The playtest is said to include an extraction-style mode called Cargo Heist, with comparisons drawn to The Division and Call of Duty for its feel and presentation.
Even if early tests are expected to be rough, repeated concerns about foundational mechanics can force studios into costly rework.
Fairgames has also had notable behind-the-scenes turbulence, including the departure of creative director Daniel Drapeau in 2025, a move that can disrupt a project’s direction during pivotal development phases.
Reports earlier this year also pointed to contractor contracts not being renewed, adding to uncertainty about the game’s production trajectory.
Sony’s live-service pressure point
The stakes are higher because Sony has been reassessing its live-service strategy after recent setbacks, with executives signaling a more cautious approach to risk and release readiness.
In that context, Fairgames has become a key test of whether PlayStation can still land a durable online hit while avoiding a costly misfire.
Haven Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment have not announced a release window, and no updated timeline has been confirmed publicly. For now, the project appears to remain in active iteration as the studio works to turn playtest lessons into a stronger, more engaging experience.
