Title: PlayStation’s Live-Service Challenges Persist as Haven Studios Founder Jade Raymond Exits

Sony’s ambitious venture into the live-service gaming domain has encountered yet another hurdle with the resignation of Jade Raymond, the leader of Haven Studios and a notable presence in the gaming sector. Raymond’s departure, which follows mere weeks after the first external playtest of Haven’s inaugural title Fairgame$, signifies another obstacle in PlayStation’s broader strategy to branch out beyond its traditional single-player blockbuster successes.

Jade Raymond Bids Farewell to Haven Studios

As reported by Bloomberg, Jade Raymond has discreetly left Haven Studios, the Montreal-based studio she established in 2021, shortly after the studio carried out its initial external test for Fairgame$. While Sony did not disclose a specific reason for her departure to the studio’s employees, the company released a statement commending Raymond’s contributions:

“Jade Raymond has been an extraordinary partner and visionary in the creation of Haven Studios. We express our sincere gratitude for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

Raymond, a seasoned professional in the industry, is widely recognized for her tenure at Ubisoft, where she played an instrumental role in the development of major franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, and Watch Dogs. She subsequently joined Electronic Arts, where she led the ill-fated Project Ragtag, a Star Wars title that eventually faced cancellation. Her decision to establish Haven Studios was perceived as a daring move, with Sony acquiring the studio in 2022 as part of its live-service expansion.

Fairgame$: A Vital Component of Sony’s Live-Service Strategy

Fairgame$, a competitive heist-themed shooter akin to Payday, was unveiled in May 2023 and was originally projected for a late 2025 launch. However, Bloomberg has indicated that the game has now been postponed to 2026. This title is among the few remaining projects from Sony’s initial lineup of 12 live-service games previously announced.

The game is being crafted exclusively for the PlayStation 5 and aims to provide a novel spin on cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Although details are sparse, the idea of players engaging in high-stakes heists within a stylized, near-future environment has sparked cautious optimism among enthusiasts.

A Troubled Live-Service Initiative

Sony’s venture into live-service gaming has been far from seamless. Several prominent projects have already been canceled or postponed:

– The Last of Us Online, a multiplayer counterpart to the celebrated franchise by Naughty Dog, was scrapped after years of development.
– Concord, a hero shooter from Firewalk Studios, failed to generate interest and was removed from digital stores.
– A multiplayer variant of God of War and a Spider-Man multiplayer game, The Great Web, were allegedly in development but have since been either shelved or left in uncertainty.
– Bungie’s Marathon, a reboot of the iconic sci-fi shooter, is still on track for release later this year, providing a glimmer of hope for Sony’s live-service objectives.
– Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, has emerged as a rare success, garnering positive reception and sustaining a robust player community.

Raymond’s exit adds to the mounting apprehensions regarding the viability of Sony’s live-service approach. With the company historically thriving in narrative-rich, single-player experiences like God of War, Horizon, and The Last of Us, the shift to multiplayer and live-service games has proven to be a challenging transition.

What Lies Ahead for Haven Studios?

In the wake of Raymond’s departure, the future of Haven Studios and Fairgame$ remains in flux. The studio continues to function under Sony’s supervision, and development on the game is said to be ongoing. However, leadership changes at this development stage can often lead to shifts in direction, delays, or even cancellations.

Sony’s statement indicates that the company remains dedicated to the project, but the absence of a clear successor or roadmap brings about uncertainty regarding the studio’s future direction.

Conclusion

Jade Raymond’s departure from Haven Studios is a notable setback to Sony’s live-service aspirations. As one of the most prominent figures spearheading this new initiative, her exit highlights the challenges Sony confronts in adapting to a swiftly changing multiplayer environment dominated by established titans like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone.

With only a limited number of live-service projects still actively being developed, Sony may need to reevaluate its strategy and refocus on what it excels at — delivering exceptional, narrative-centric experiences — while seeking more sustainable methods for exploring multiplayer and live-service frameworks.

For the time being, all attention will be directed toward Fairgame$ and whether it can defy the odds and emerge as the breakout sensation Sony has been striving for in the live-service sector.

Transforming Your Workspace: The Ultimate Secretlab MAGNUS Accessories for Creators and Gamers

When Secretlab launched the MAGNUS Metal Desk, it swiftly earned praise for its stylish design, magnetic surface, and built-in cable management — attributes that distinguished it among top-tier gaming and productivity desks. At CGMagazine, we were deeply impressed with the MAGNUS upon our initial review, recognizing its role as the focal point of our gaming and content creation setups. However, what truly elevates the MAGNUS from a simple desk to an outstanding command center is its array of proprietary accessories.

These add-ons are crafted with the same meticulousness as the desk itself, providing seamless incorporation, ergonomic advantages, and aesthetic harmony. Whether you’re a gamer, streamer, video editor, or a multitasking professional, these components can help you craft a workspace that’s both practical and visually appealing. Below, we delve into the most crucial Secretlab MAGNUS accessories that can elevate your setup to new heights.

Secretlab MAGNUS Dual Monitor Arm – $249

For individuals who depend on a dual-monitor arrangement — be it for gaming, editing, or multitasking — the Secretlab MAGNUS Dual Monitor Arm is indispensable. This premium arm accommodates two monitors of up to 34 inches each and provides total adjustability with tilt, swivel, and rotation features. It integrates seamlessly with the MAGNUS desk’s cable management tray, utilizing magnetic guides to keep cables orderly and out of view.

What distinguishes this monitor arm is its space-efficient design. By elevating monitors above the desktop, it clears space for other devices such as microphones, stream decks, or external drives. Its top-mounted clamp guarantees a secure attachment without sacrificing adjustability, and its sturdy construction ensures stability even for ultra-wide monitors. For content creators and professionals, this accessory turns the MAGNUS into a productivity powerhouse.

Secretlab Laptop Mount Attachment – $49

For those who primarily operate from a laptop, the Secretlab Laptop Mount Attachment is transformative. Designed to complement the MAGNUS Monitor Arm, this attachment lifts your laptop to eye level, thereby enhancing posture and minimizing neck strain. Its mesh-cutout design guarantees adequate ventilation, essential during extended gaming or editing sessions.

The mount is compatible with the MAGNUS cable management system and facilitates quick, tool-free adjustments. Whether you’re toggling between portrait and landscape orientations or adjusting your screen for optimal visibility, this accessory enhances flexibility and comfort in your workflow. Though it necessitates the MAGNUS Monitor Arm, the ergonomic and organizational advantages make it a smart investment.

Secretlab MAGNUS Desk Riser – $99

For those aiming to elevate their monitors or peripherals without utilizing a full monitor arm, the Secretlab MAGNUS Desk Riser serves as a sleek and robust option. Made from matte-black steel and featuring a magnetic surface, this riser harmonizes perfectly with the MAGNUS desk’s design.

The riser not only enhances ergonomics by lifting screens to eye level but also provides additional storage space below. This is ideal for hiding away accessories, notebooks, or even a compact lighting setup. It’s also fully compatible with the MAGNUS Dual Monitor Arm, offering even more customization options. Whether you’re a streamer, video editor, or multitasker, the desk riser boosts both comfort and efficiency.

Secretlab Cable Management Bundle – $74

A tidy workspace boosts productivity, and the Secretlab Cable Management Bundle is crafted to eliminate cable chaos. This bundle features magnetic cable clips, adhesive routing channels, and a discreet under-desk tray — all made from high-quality materials that complement the MAGNUS desk’s premium construction.

The magnetic clips attach directly to the desk’s steel frame, while the routing channels direct cables through concealed paths, making them accessible yet out of sight. The under-desk tray is ideal for housing power adapters, USB hubs, or dongles. For creators juggling multiple devices and peripherals, this bundle is a vital enhancement that improves both aesthetics and functionality.

Secretlab MAGPAD Desk Mat – $89

Completing the list is the Secretlab MAGPAD Desk Mat — a comprehensive, magnetic mat that adds both flair and functionality to your workspace. Offered in leatherette or microsuede finishes, the MAGPAD provides a smooth, comfortable surface for your devices, with a magnetic backing keeping it securely in position.

What makes the MAGPAD particularly enticing is its modular design. Secretlab provides a range of themed designs, allowing users to refresh their desk’s appearance without the need to replace the entire mat. It also integrates with the MAGNUS cable management system, aiding in the upkeep of a tidy environment. For photographers and videographers, the neutral surface serves as a clean backdrop for product shots — a feature frequently utilized at CGMagazine.

Final Thoughts

The Secretlab MAGNUS desk is already an outstanding piece of equipment, but

Title: Bungie Confronts Renewed Allegations of Artwork Appropriation in Marathon Alpha

Bungie, the acclaimed video game developer behind franchises such as Destiny and Halo, is facing renewed accusations of allegedly utilizing an independent artist’s creations without permission. This incident marks the second occasion in recent years that the studio has been charged—and subsequently validated—the unauthorized employment of external artwork in its titles.

The most recent issue revolves around Bungie’s forthcoming game, Marathon, a revival of the classic sci-fi shooter. On May 16, 2025, a visual artist known on social media as Antireal shared a comprehensive analysis on X (previously Twitter) of their original designs that appeared, almost identically, in the Marathon alpha version. The resemblances were quite evident. As per Antireal, the designs were “blatantly identical,” indicating direct replication rather than just creative inspiration.

“Bungie is certainly not required to engage me when creating a game that heavily relies on the same design ethos I have honed over the past decade,” Antireal stated in a subsequent post. “However, it’s clear my work was deemed good enough to exploit for concepts and showcase throughout their game without compensation or acknowledgment.”

The post swiftly garnered attention, eliciting reactions from the gaming community and sparking inquiries about the studio’s internal protocols. One user remarked that Joseph Cross, the art director for the Marathon franchise, follows Antireal on X, suggesting that the artist’s work was probably known to Bungie’s creative team.

Later that same day, the official MarathonDevTeam account acknowledged the unauthorized usage of Antireal’s artwork. According to the statement, a “former Bungie artist” had incorporated the pilfered designs into a texture sheet that was eventually implemented in the game. The current art team was reportedly unaware of the oversight until it was highlighted by Antireal’s post.

“We promptly investigated a concern regarding the unauthorized use of artist decals in Marathon and confirmed that a former Bungie artist included these in a texture sheet that was ultimately utilized in-game,” the studio expressed. “As part of our policy, we do not use artists’ work without their consent.”

Bungie has since initiated a “comprehensive review” to ascertain how the oversight took place and to avert similar occurrences in the future.

A Trend of Errors

This isn’t the first instance Bungie has encountered allegations of art appropriation. In 2023, the company faced backlash for employing an independent artist’s designs in a cutscene for Destiny 2. Bungie admitted the error and reached out to the artist to offer an apology.

Then in 2024, the studio conceded to utilizing fan art in the design of an official Destiny 2 Nerf gun. In that situation, Bungie promised to compensate and credit the artist for their contributions.

These recurring incidents have sparked concerns regarding systemic challenges within Bungie’s creative and approval frameworks. While the studio has consistently responded with apologies and corrective measures, the prevalence of these incidents is beginning to undermine public confidence.

Industry Implications

The controversy underscores a larger issue within the gaming industry: the utilization of independent and fan-generated content without adequate acknowledgment or remuneration. As studios increasingly draw inspiration from online communities and independent creators, the distinction between homage and appropriation can become perilously vague.

For independent artists like Antireal, the implications are significant. Their work, often cultivated over many years and shared online to develop a portfolio or community, can be commandeered by major studios without credit, jeopardizing their livelihoods and reputations.

What Lies Ahead?

Bungie’s reaction to this latest situation will be closely scrutinized by fans and industry insiders alike. While the studio has committed to reevaluating its internal procedures, critics contend that more foundational changes are necessary to ensure accountability and respect for creative ownership.

As the Marathon reboot progresses, Bungie must now navigate not only the technical and narrative hurdles of revitalizing a cherished franchise but also the task of restoring trust with the artistic community and its player base.

In the words of one commenter, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” For Bungie, the time for apologies may be dwindling—the studio needs to demonstrate its capacity to learn from its missteps and enact meaningful changes.