Future of Haven Studios uncertain as founder Jade Raymond exits and Fairgame$ is delayed to 2026

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Today, Jason Schreier from Bloomberg revealed that the founder and head of Haven Studios, the team behind Sony’s forthcoming live-service shooter game Fairgames, has departed. Jade Raymond established the studio in 2021. We’ve also discovered that the release date for Fairgames has been pushed back to Spring 2026, as it was initially planned for Fall 2025. This is another instance of Sony’s recent focus on live-service shooter titles, such as Helldivers 2, Concord, and the upcoming Marathon, over the past few years.

Founder Jade Raymond leaves Haven Studio, Fairgames delayed to Spring 2026

The game titled “Fairgames” (often depicted with a “$” instead of the “s”), envisions itself as an online first-person shooter, where the players are assigned with the thrilling mission of executing elaborate heists on billionaires. As of now, not much about this upcoming game has been revealed, except for a cinematic trailer that was unveiled in May 2023, which is approximately two years ago. Interestingly, recent news suggests that Raymond, one of the key figures behind this project, has left the team. This departure occurred shortly after “Fairgames” underwent an external test, making it Haven Studios’ inaugural title.

Based on Sony’s history with live-service games in recent years, this doesn’t seem very promising for Marathon. While Helldivers 2 was successful due to a partnership with developer Arrowhead, not a Sony-owned studio, Firewalk’s Concord, which is owned by Sony, had a rocky launch and was pulled from sale just two weeks after its release. Now, Sony is preparing for the release of Bungie’s next project following Destiny 2, Marathon, set to launch in September. Feedback from ongoing playtests suggests it may be receiving mixed reviews at best.

1. It’s possible that Fairgames might come out next year, but the departure of a studio head isn’t something encouraging. This situation reminds many of what happened with Concord, which ultimately led to Firewalk’s closure. Fans are worried that Haven Studios could face a similar destiny. One user commented on Schreier’s BlueSky post, expressing sympathy for the developers of the game, hoping they would be reassigned rather than losing their jobs. Sony, having learned from its Concord mistake, will probably ensure that Fairgames is worth releasing to avoid another failed game in their history.

2. There’s a chance Fairgames could make an appearance next year, but the sudden exit of a studio leader isn’t exactly promising. This incident recalls the downfall of Concord, which eventually forced Firewalk out of business. Fears are growing that Haven Studios might experience the same fate. A user responded to Schreier’s BlueSky post, expressing concern for the developers of the game, hoping they would be relocated instead of losing their positions. Sony, having taken a lesson from its Concord blunder, will likely make sure Fairgames is worth releasing to prevent another flop in their catalogue.

3. There’s a slim possibility that Fairgames might debut next year; however, the sudden exit of a studio leader isn’t a positive sign. This event brings back memories of Concord’s demise, which eventually forced Firewalk to close shop. Many are concerned that Haven Studios could follow suit. A user reacted to Schreier’s BlueSky post, expressing pity for the developers of the game, hoping they would be transferred rather than terminated. Sony, having learned from its Concord experience, will probably verify that Fairgames is worthy of release to prevent another failure in their portfolio.

4. It’s conceivable that Fairgames could launch next year; nevertheless, a studio head leaving so abruptly isn’t exactly optimistic. This occurrence echoes the collapse of Concord, which eventually forced Firewalk out. Worries are escalating that Haven Studios may experience a similar outcome. A user chimed in on Schreier’s BlueSky post, expressing compassion for the developers of the game, hoping they would be reallocated instead of losing their employment. Sony, having learned from its Concord fiasco, will likely ensure Fairgames is worth releasing to dodge another misfire in their collection.

Regrettably, it appears that numerous live-service games follow a similar pattern these days – they either become an overnight sensation or struggle until their creators have to close shop. It’s a trend seen across many significant video game publishers such as Sony, Xbox, Ubisoft, EA, Warner Bros., and several others. Here’s hoping this promising studio doesn’t meet the same fate.

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2025-05-16 02:32