Turbulence at Haven Studios: Founder Jade Raymond Departs, Fairgame$ Faces Delay – What’s Next for Sony’s Live Service Dreams?
The winds of change are blowing through Haven Studios, with founder Jade Raymond departing the company. This news arrives alongside reports of a delay for Haven's debut title, the online shooter Fairgame$, raising questions about the future of Sony's live service ambitions.
Raymond's exit, as reported by Bloomberg, was announced without a specific reason given to Haven staff. However, it follows an external test of Fairgame$ that apparently sparked concerns among some developers regarding the game's reception and progress. Some unnamed sources were quoted regarding development concerns. The game Fairgames has been delayed to 2026 due to these concerns by game developers.
Sony offered a thankful remark: "Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter."
Fairgame$, initially slated for a Fall 2025 release, is now expected in 2026 due to these internal concerns. This delay adds to the growing list of challenges for Sony's live-service strategy. While Helldivers 2 proved a surprising success, other ventures like Concord faced immediate setbacks, and several planned projects were canceled.
Haven Studios, formed by ex-Google Stadia developers and acquired by Sony in 2022, was seen as a key player in this strategy. Raymond, known for her work on Assassin's Creed and Watch Dogs at Ubisoft, was leading the charge. The game was revealed back at a 2023 PlayStation showcase with little detail about gameplay.
The official reveal, showcased a class warfare theme with sandbox gameplay, reminiscent of a Robin Hood meets Payday 2 concept. Sony reassured the public that that the company is committed to backing Fairgame$. Taking over Raymond's position are Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski will step in as co-studio heads.
The current state of Haven Studios and Fairgame$ raises the question: Can Sony revitalize its live service line up? The delay of Fairgame$ and Raymond's departure create uncertainty surrounding Sony's live-service ambitions.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Will Fairgame$ ultimately succeed, or is this another sign of trouble for Sony's live service strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below!