PlayStation Cancels Haven’s Fairgames After Playtest

PlayStation has canceled Fairgames, an online shooter in development at Haven Studios, after a recent playtest produced feedback and player-retention results executives said fell short of their goals. Haven will not lay off staff as a result and will instead support other PlayStation Studios teams, the company said.

Executives Sean Decker and John Doyle described the playtest results in an email to employees. They said the test showed operational readiness and community engagement, but that player feedback and retention were mixed and below expectations. They also cited challenging conditions in the player-versus-player shooter market as part of the decision to end development.

Fairgames was announced in 2023 and was intended to be Haven’s first game. The project was described as a competitive multiplayer shooter with heist elements. It had undergone several revisions during development, according to reporting on the cancellation. The sources did not provide playtest data or details about how many people participated.

PlayStation said Haven would collaborate with other development teams across PlayStation Studios while exploring new creative opportunities. The studio, founded in...