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PlayStation’s recent attempts to dive into the live service game market have been, let’s say, hit-or-miss. Between untested experiments like Concord and questionable concepts like a live service God of War, it’s clear that the strategy could use some rethinking. Instead of trying to shoehorn the format into franchises that don’t fit, why not look back at PlayStation’s classics? Games that were practically begging for this treatment before ‘live service’ was even a buzzword? We have uncovered 11 first-party IPs that we think would’ve made far more sense to be refitted for this format.
1. Killzone
With how popular online FPS games are, a new multiplayer-focused Killzone seems like an obvious choice. With its distinct gritty sci-fi setting, the ‘Halo killer’ has the potential to carve out a niche among other shooters. Its recent crossover with Helldivers 2 also shows that fans and even newcomers are still enthusiastic about the series.
A live service Killzone game might just be the right answer PlayStation needs. Just like how Ubisoft managed to revive the Rainbow Six IP with Siege, for better or worse.
2. SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs
Speaking of shooter games, squad-based tactical shooters also desperately need a revival. Games like Ready or Not, Zero Hour, and Six Days in Fallujah are trying to fill the hole to varying degrees of success. Now imagine if a studio with AAA resources is tasked with developing long-lasting projects like those.
A robust squad-based gameplay and military realism could attract fans yearning for strategy-focused multiplayer games. If Delta Force can make a comeback, I don’t see why SOCOM cannot meet the same fate.
3. Warhawk
Another subgenre that PlayStation could leverage for live service games, especially as fans lose faith in Battlefield, is the large-scale combined arms shooter subgenre. Mixing aerial dogfights and ground-based combat with a tinge of near-future elements, Warhawk has the opportunity to win Battlefield 2042 fans over.
Sure, you could argue that PlanetSide 2 still exists. But, the game is practically a ghost town on console and the three-way firefights can get chaotic fast. Making a more straightforward Battlefield-clone with regular content updates could be an easier sell.
4. LittleBigPlanet
If we’re talking about games-as-a-service, the term ‘user-generated content’ is all the rage these days. Just look at how popular Roblox is among both players and content creators. Sony could easily get (back) into the said market by making a new LittleBigPlanet.
Players could team up to make crazy levels or just explore the endless creations shared by others. Then imagine new building tools, costumes, stickers, and events dropping every few months to keep things exciting. Sackboy’s game was truly ahead of its time.
5. Wipeout
Gran Turismo isn’t the only racing IP Sony has under its sleeve. For gamers who want something more fast-paced and fantastical, there’s Wipeout. Regular content updates, such as new tracks, vehicles, and events, would keep players racing for years. Throw in robust customization options for your ships for good measure.
Nintendo also has been neglecting its F-Zero series. Releasing a new anti-gravity racer might entice starved fans to spend money on PlayStation’s products.
6. MotorStorm
Another racing game that would be perfect for Sony’s live service push is MotorStorm. Its intense off-road could be enhanced with regular updates, rotating game modes, and maybe licensed vehicles as well. Add in leaderboards and a community-driven track editor like Trackmania, MotorStorm could become the ultimate online racing experience.
7. Twisted Metal
The vehicular combat chaos of Twisted Metal practically screams for a live service revival. Who doesn’t enjoy a match or two of a battle royale game these days? Add in regularly rotating vehicles, weapons, and arenas from the series’ history and the game would’ve become an instant hit.
Funny enough, Sony’s Liverpool-based Firesprite Studio was actually working on this sort of project. However, when the PlayStation maker let go of 900 staff in early 2024, Firesprite went kaput and its work was scrapped. You have to wonder why Sony didn’t see the need to invest in this franchise again considering there is a TV show adaptation.
8. Everybody’s Golf
Who said multiplayer games are all about violence? Pangya proved that a more casual golfing game can thrive in an MMO or live service environment. Sony also has its own answer to this particular niche called Everybody’s Golf.
Wrapped in charming cartoon visuals and accessible mechanics, this sort of online sports game could attract casual and competitive players alike. Seasonal updates could introduce new courses, tournaments, and cosmetic items. The original series also spawns Everybody’s Tennis, opening it up for other sports spin-offs.
9. Boku no Natsuyasumi
Thanks to Animal Crossing, Dreamlight Valley, and farming games like Stardew Valley, ‘cozy life simulator’ has become a huge genre in the last few years. PlayStation can take advantage of this trend by making a new entry for Boku no Natsuyasumi, or My Summer Vacation.
True to its name, the series always allows players to explore an idyllic Japanese countryside to spend their summer vacation. The setting is perfect for a persistent online world where players can collaborate on various minigames, trading, and experiencing comfy seasonal events together.
10. Ape Escape
Turning PlayStation’s beloved Ape Escape series into a live service game might sound bananas. But hear me out! Imagine a battle royale where one player becomes the catcher and the others play as apes hiding in increasingly chaotic environments. Yep, with proper vision, Sony’s developers could make a unique take on Prop Hunt.
Besides, the series itself has spawned many unrelated spinoffs like Pipo Saru Racer and Ape Escape Academy. Making an online multiplayer game that still retains its main idea of ape-catching really wouldn’t hurt.
11. Team Buddies
Last but not least, if we’re talking about long-lasting online games, then we have to talk about MOBAs. Wipeout wasn’t the only thing Psygnosis developed for Sony’s console. It once made a quirky action strategy game called Team Buddies, where you collect blocks to build yourself an army and weapons to defend castles. This concept can be easily adapted into the genre to create a standout title in a sea of MOBA games.
In 2021, Sony renewed Psygnosis’ logo and trademarks. I doubt the studio still holds any talents that used to make the classics, but who knows, fingers crossed.
