Ex-PlayStation Boss Criticizes Sony’s Shift to Live-Service Games – What It Means for PS5's Future

Who Is Shawn Layden?

Shawn Layden was a key figure at Sony for over 30 years, helping to lead the PlayStation brand through its most successful era — including the PS4 generation, which delivered critical and commercial hits with a strong focus on narrative-driven single-player experiences.

Layden served as Chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios from 2014 to 2019, a golden age for PlayStation exclusives.

Why Did He Leave Sony?

In a recent interview on the Save State Plus podcast, Layden explained that Sony’s strategic shift toward live-service games — including multiplayer-focused, always-online titles — didn’t align with his personal vision for PlayStation.

"The company was making strategic decisions... with a heavy emphasis on games as a service, live-service gaming, subscription formulas, and recurring revenue. That was not my wheelhouse," Layden said.

He added that after producing games like God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us, and Horizon, he didn’t feel he had the energy or desire to pivot toward this new business model. Layden stepped down quietly in 2019, just before the launch of the PS5.

The Reality of Sony's Live-Service Push

Sony had ambitious goals: to release 10 or more live-service games by 2026. But the reality hasn’t been kind to those plans.

Here’s a look at how things unfolded:

Successes

• Helldivers 2 – A surprise hit, though it was a second-party title and a continuation from the PS4 era.

Failures and Cancellations

• The Last of Us Online – Canceled after years of hype.

• Multiplayer God of War project – Reportedly shelved.

• Concord – Met with lukewarm reception.

• Destiny 2 – Ongoing stagnation under Bungie.

• FairGame$ – Still in development, but little buzz.

Despite Sony’s big promises, the company has canceled more live-service titles than it has released, raising doubts about the direction.

What Fans Really Want

While multiplayer games have their place, the heart of PlayStation has always been its cinematic, story-driven adventures. Fans are now expressing frustration that Sony may be straying too far from what made the platform special.

Luckily, some single-player projects are still in the works:

• Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – From Naughty Dog

• Saros – A mysterious title from Housemarque

But both games are likely years away, and it’s unclear whether Sony will return its focus to what it once did best.

Community Questions

• Is PlayStation losing its identity?

• Can Sony still balance live-service games with single-player blockbusters?

• Will the next generation of PlayStation be defined by quality or quantity?

Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear from you!

Final Thoughts: A Crossroads for PlayStation

Shawn Layden’s departure may have seemed quiet at the time, but it’s clear now that it marked a turning point. As the PlayStation 5 enters its fifth year, Sony must decide: double down on live-service revenue, or listen to its fanbase and return to premium, single-player gaming?

Whatever happens, one thing is clear — the next few years will be critical for the soul of the PlayStation brand.

Imagem: Shawn Layden no Gamelab 2018. Fonte: Wikimedia Commons.