Haven Studios' Fairgames gets extraction shooter gameplay leak

Haven Studios' upcoming multiplayer game Fairgames will feature an extraction shooter mode, according to documents sent to Insider Gaming. The leaked information suggests the PlayStation-owned studio is building its debut title around the popular genre that combines PvP combat with objective-based looting mechanics.

What this means for Fairgames

Extraction shooters centre on a core gameplay loop where players enter dangerous zones, collect valuable loot, and attempt to escape before being eliminated by other players or environmental threats. Popular titles in this space include Escape from Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, and Call of Duty's DMZ mode.

The documents reportedly indicate that Fairgames will lean heavily into this formula with a dedicated extraction mode, suggesting it won't be a minor feature but a central component of the game's design. This positions Fairgames to compete directly with established extraction titles when it eventually launches.

Haven Studios, founded by former Ubisoft executive Jade Raymond, was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2022. The studio has been working on Fairgames as its inaugural project since the acquisition, though concrete details about gameplay mechanics have remained scarce until this leak.

Industry context

The extraction shooter genre has exploded in popularity over recent years, attracting millions of players with its high-stakes risk-reward gameplay. Studios across the industry have been quick to develop their own takes on the formula, recognising the potential for sustained player engagement and monetisation opportunities.

Sony's decision to pursue this genre through Haven Studios makes strategic sense given the success of titles like Escape from Tarkov, which generated over $200 million in revenue despite being in beta for years. The extraction format also lends itself well to live-service monetisation models, which Sony has been actively pursuing across its gaming portfolio.

The gaming industry has seen numerous studio closures and layoffs recently, including significant cuts at Wildlight Entertainment, making successful new IP launches increasingly crucial for studio sustainability.

What we don't know

Haven Studios has not officially confirmed the extraction shooter elements described in the leaked documents. The studio's public statements about Fairgames have focused on it being a multiplayer experience without diving into specific gameplay mechanics.

Key details that remain unclear include the game's setting, whether it will be free-to-play or premium-priced, and which platforms will receive the title at launch. Sony has also not announced a release window for Fairgames beyond stating it's in active development.

The documents obtained by Insider Gaming reportedly contain additional details about the extraction mode's implementation, though the publication has not shared specifics about map design, player counts, or progression systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is Fairgames?

Fairgames is an upcoming multiplayer game that will lean into the extraction shooter genre with a dedicated mode, according to leaked documents sent to Insider Gaming.

Who is developing Fairgames?

Haven Studios, a PlayStation-owned studio founded by former Ubisoft executive Jade Raymond, is developing Fairgames as their debut title since Sony's 2022 acquisition.

What is an extraction shooter?

Extraction shooters are games where players enter dangerous areas to collect loot and must successfully escape while competing against other players and environmental threats.

When will Fairgames be released?

Sony has not announced a release date for Fairgames. The game is currently in active development at Haven Studios with no confirmed launch window.

Has Sony confirmed the extraction shooter details?

Haven Studios and Sony have not officially confirmed the extraction shooter elements. The information comes from leaked documents obtained by Insider Gaming.

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