In a recent earnings call, Sony’s CFO Lin Tao openly acknowledged that the company’s transition towards live-service games has not been as smooth as anticipated. This admission comes in the wake of several high-profile game cancellations, including the much-anticipated Concord and Foamstars, which have raised concerns about the viability of Sony’s strategy to pivot from traditional single-player experiences to multiplayer-focused titles. Despite these setbacks, Tao pointed out that the PlayStation Studios have made significant strides in the live-service arena over the past five years.

In a recent discussion about the future of its console strategy, Sony has made it clear that the PlayStation 6 is on the horizon, with a focus on “new and enhanced” ways for players to engage with gaming. Hideaki Nishino, the new president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, emphasized that while cloud gaming is a viable option, the demand for traditional local gameplay remains strong. This insight highlights Sony’s commitment to its console roots, even as it explores innovative technologies.