Summary
- Fairgames’ closed pre-alpha, Project Hearts, has disappointed playtesters.
- Reported as “super clunky” with gameplay compared to Fortnite and The Division.
- Concerns grow after studio founder Jade Raymond’s recent departure.
- The game’s launch has been delayed to 2026 for more development time.
- Sony’s live-service portfolio continues to face challenges and skepticism.
Fairgames Playtest Feedback Raises Alarms
Fairgames, Sony’s upcoming live-service title from Haven Studios, has hit a rough patch according to new reports. A closed pre-alpha test, codenamed Project Hearts, was quietly distributed on PlayStation Network, but the first wave of playtester feedback has not been encouraging. Many described the game’s current state as “super clunky,” sparking doubts about its potential success.
Combining elements of battle royale and extraction shooters, Fairgames has been compared to heavyweights like Fortnite and The Division. In the game, teams of three to four players compete to rob vaults in a large urban environment, all while other squads attempt the same heist. While the concept initially intrigued fans, the reality has been less promising in its current form.
Concerns Within Haven Studios
According to insights shared on the Sacred Symbols podcast, the development team itself has concerns about the project. This tension likely contributed to the recent departure of Jade Raymond, the veteran studio founder known for her work on the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Bloomberg previously reported that the internal feedback at Haven Studios has been far from positive.
It’s worth noting that Fairgames was initially expected to release in 2025, but Sony delayed it to 2026 to allow more time for development and polish. Still, the current feedback indicates that major improvements will be needed to meet player expectations and stand out in the increasingly crowded extraction shooter market.
Sony’s Struggles in Live-Service Games
Fairgames is one of the few remaining PlayStation live-service projects following several setbacks across Sony’s portfolio. After the underwhelming debut of games like Concord and ongoing challenges with Bungie’s Marathon, pressure is mounting for Fairgames to deliver. Sony has reaffirmed its commitment to Haven Studios under new leadership, but industry watchers remain skeptical until actual gameplay is revealed publicly.
With its Robin Hood-style heist theme and a mix of competitive and cooperative elements, Fairgames still has a chance to capture attention. However, the next year of development will be crucial in transforming it from a clunky prototype into a polished experience worthy of PlayStation’s future lineup.
