PlayStation Won't Abandon Single-Player Narrative-Driven Games

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A recent interview with a PlayStation exec reveals that Sony won’t abandon AAA single-player games as it tries to diversify its lineup. Narrative-driven AAA games have defined PlayStation’s first-party offerings for many years now. Many of these games get excellent review scores upon their release, and they end up selling millions of copies.

Some of the biggest PlayStation AAA games, like God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Marvel’s Spider-Man, have sold over 20 million units. Even so, Sony has recently expressed interest in developing more live-service titles. This has probably led to some confusion among the PlayStation userbase, but a Sony executive now confirms that single-player games will remain the focus at PlayStation studios.

In an interview with Axios, PlayStation Studios chief Hermen Hulst gives an insight into PlayStation’s business model. Hulst confirms that many of Sony’s top development studios are making AAA narrative-driven single-player games. He mentions that some of PlayStation’s biggest games fall into this category, and they remain the company’s most profitable titles.

Fans can also find interesting notes on live-service games in the interview. Hulst explains that most of Sony’s live-service games are deep in their development cycle and have yet to be announced. This list likely includes the upcoming multiplayer game set in The Last of Us universe. Sony recently expressed interest in adding more live-service games to its lineup, and it has plans to release ten games in this category by 2026. Hulst also confirms that both internal studios and teams Sony has partnered up with are working on the GAAS model.

The list of live-service games probably includes the rumored multiplayer game set in the Horizon universe. Not much is known about this title, other than a rumor which points to similarities with the Monster Hunter series. This news was a part of a recent leak that also mentioned that a remaster for Horizon Zero Dawn is in development for PS5.

Hulst also shares some thoughts on the PC and mobile markets for PlayStation games. Sony has released a few blockbuster games on PC already, and each appears to be a sales success. More games are on the way as Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection launches on PC this month, with The Last of Us Part 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales also scheduled to release at a later date.