Enhanced Testing Protocols at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment is taking significant steps to refine its project development processes, particularly in light of the costly misstep with its live-service game, Concord. Herman Hulst, the head of studios, shared insights with the Financial Times regarding the company’s newfound commitment to rigorous testing protocols aimed at preventing similar failures in the future.
Concord, which reportedly incurred a staggering 0 million in development costs, was swiftly withdrawn from the market shortly after its launch. This setback highlighted the challenges Sony faced in its ambition to expand its portfolio of live-service titles. In response, the company has made the strategic decision to cancel several ongoing projects that were deemed unfit for release.
“I don’t want teams to always play it safe, but I would like for us, when we fail, to fail early and cheaply,” Hulst remarked, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences. He underscored that while the quantity of live-service releases is not the primary focus, the diversity of player experiences and the cultivation of vibrant gaming communities are paramount.
To this end, Sony has instituted a more robust and frequent testing regimen across its projects. “The advantage of every failure . . . is that people now understand how necessary that [oversight] is,” Hulst noted, reflecting on the lessons learned from Concord’s launch. The company is now poised to approach future projects with a renewed sense of vigilance and adaptability, ensuring that its offerings resonate with players and stand the test of time.
