A recent playtest for an unannounced competitive action shooter, codenamed 'Project Espresso,' has surfaced, leading many to believe it is Haven Studios' highly anticipated title, 'Fairgames' (also known as 'Fairgame$'). This new development comes three years after the initial reveal of 'Fairgames' and points to a potential resurgence for the PlayStation and PC-bound heist game. The playtest's description and visual elements bear a striking resemblance to previous information released about 'Fairgames,' fueling speculation about its imminent return. Gamers eager for a fresh take on competitive action might soon get their chance to experience this intriguing new entry from the PlayStation ecosystem.

The playtest, hosted on Player.gg, describes 'Project Espresso' as a third-person PvPvE competitive action game where rival teams race to infiltrate high-security areas, abscond with valuable cargo, and escape before their competitors. This concept mirrors the 2023 PlayStation Blog's portrayal of 'Fairgames' as a thrilling competitive heist experience centered around an underground movement that targets the wealthy to restore balance. Furthermore, the trailer for 'Project Espresso' showcases visual similarities, including a distinctive gold vault and character designs, such as a character sporting a white ski mask, reminiscent of earlier 'Fairgames' footage.

Haven Studios, the developer behind this project, was established in 2021 by Jade Raymond, formerly a producer for Assassin's Creed and head of Google Stadia Games and Entertainment. Sony acquired the Montreal-based studio in 2022, and 'Fairgames' was first unveiled at the PlayStation Showcase in 2023. While Raymond has since departed the studio, the team continues to develop their debut title. The game, whether it retains the name 'Fairgames,' 'Project Espresso,' or another moniker, aims to offer a unique PvP experience with emergent sandbox gameplay, allowing players to embody modern-day Robin Hoods, thrill-seekers, or simply those seeking valuable loot, as envisioned by creative director Mathieu Leduc.

This renewed attention suggests that 'Fairgames' is actively progressing towards its launch on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC. Although a release date has not yet been announced, the emergence of a detailed playtest indicates that the game is nearing a more public phase of its development. Fans are encouraged to monitor updates from Sony Interactive Entertainment and Haven Studios for official confirmations regarding 'Project Espresso's' identity and future plans for this intriguing competitive heist shooter.