Jade Raymond Leaves Haven Studios: What This Means for Fairgames

Veteran game producer Jade Raymond has officially departed from Haven Studios, the company she established in 2021. This marks a significant shift in the development of their highly anticipated online shooter, Fairgames, creating ripples in the gaming community as fans and industry insiders absorb the news.

A Legacy Built at Ubisoft and Beyond

Raymond’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. She rose to prominence through her work at Ubisoft, notable for producing the original Assassin’s Creed and playing a crucial role in the development of Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, and Watch Dogs. After leaving Ubisoft in 2015, she went on to found Motive Studios under Electronic Arts but made her way to Google Stadia in 2018, where she served as the development head until Stadia’s internal gaming teams were shut down in 2021.

Her exit from Google paved the way for the creation of Haven Studios, where she aimed to craft innovative gaming experiences. Funded by PlayStation, Haven’s first project, Fairgames, was announced in 2022 alongside Sony’s acquisition of the studio, further solidifying Raymond’s position as a key figure in the gaming industry.

Implications of Her Departure

While the exact reasons for Raymond’s departure remain unclear, sources cited in a recent report by Bloomberg suggest concerns arose after an external testing phase for Fairgames. Developers were reportedly anxious about the overall reception of the game. The uncertainty around the project is heightened by Sony’s recent trend of canceling multiple online multiplayer titles, leading many to question the future of Fairgames.

“Jade Raymond has been an incredible partner and visionary force in founding Haven Studios,” a spokesperson from PlayStation shared with Bloomberg. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.” This statement assures fans that despite her exit, Fairgames will continue under the leadership of Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski—two seasoned veterans stepping up to guide the project moving forward.

The Future of Fairgames

Fairgames was unveiled earlier this year with an exciting CGI trailer, described by creative director Mathieu Leduc as “a fresh, modern take on the heist genre.” He indicated that the game would immerse players in a competitive environment where they join an underground movement to rob the wealthy and restore balance.

As of now, there is no indication that the development of Fairgames will halt; in fact, PlayStation remains committed to supporting Haven Studios despite the recent shakeup. Fans remain eager to learn more about the project as development progresses and as the studio’s new leadership takes the reins.

Conclusion

Jade Raymond’s exit from Haven Studios signals a pivotal moment for both the studio and the Fairgames project. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Raymond’s next steps will be closely watched. For now, the focus shifts to the team that remains and how they will navigate the challenges ahead. With the heist genre gaining popularity, Fairgames has the potential to be a groundbreaking title—one many are anxiously awaiting.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story and the future of gaming as Fairgames develops into one of the most intriguing titles under the PlayStation banner. For additional insights into industry trends, check out our articles on Shifts in Game Development and The Heist Genre in Gaming.