Concord: A Cautionary Tale in the Gaming Industry
Firewalk Studios’ hero shooter, Concord, which debuted on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC on August 23, is set to be removed from sale this Tuesday and will go offline later this week. This decision follows a disappointing launch, as announced by Sony on its official PlayStation blog. Players who bought Concord will receive refunds while the studio evaluates future possibilities for the game.
Acknowledging Feedback and Challenges
Ryan Ellis, the game director at Firewalk Studios, communicated this development to players, stating that certain elements of both the game and its initial release did not meet expectations. He expressed gratitude towards fans for their support during what he described as a challenging journey aboard Northstar.
Ellis noted that while some aspects of Concord resonated with players, others fell short of their intentions. Consequently, they have decided to take the game offline starting September 6, 2024, in order to explore new avenues that may better connect with their audience.
Refund Process for Players
Refunds will be processed back to players’ original payment methods across platforms—whether purchased through the PlayStation Store or directly via PlayStation Direct for PS5 users or those who acquired it on PC.
Disappointing Launch Metrics
The launch of Concord was met with lukewarm reception; it garnered negative attention due to alarmingly low player counts on Steam. During its opening weekend, fewer than 700 concurrent players were recorded—a number that has since dwindled further according to SteamDB statistics. As of Tuesday’s report, only about 30 individuals were playing simultaneously—a stark indicator of its declining player base. Recent estimates suggest that only around 25,000 copies have been sold since release.
Pre-Launch Concerns Emerge
The game’s lackluster performance was foreshadowed prior to launch when beta tests revealed similarly low participation rates. There was a noticeable drop in player numbers from one beta weekend to another—raising concerns about long-term viability even before full release.
Critics offered mixed reviews upon launch; many pointed out deficiencies such as an absence of unique features compared to other titles in a competitive market filled with free-to-play options and criticized its $40 price tag alongside an uninspired roster of characters. In multiplayer matches featuring teams of five versus five (5v5), players could choose from a selection known as Freegunners—comprising various aliens and robots each equipped with distinct abilities—the title marked Firewalk’s first major project after being acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2023.
A Rare Move by Sony
Sony’s choice to withdraw Concord is both surprising and atypical but not without precedent within the industry. The company previously removed CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 from digital shelves due to significant quality issues shortly after its own troubled launch; it eventually returned six months later following extensive updates aimed at improving gameplay experience. Similarly, Player First Games took down their platform fighter Multiversus, opting for an extended hiatus while reworking core elements before relaunching it into circulation.
Future Possibilities for Concord
One potential direction for Concord could involve transitioning it into a free-to-play model or integrating it into ongoing offerings like PlayStation Plus catalog titles; however, such changes would require substantial reworking since initial design did not incorporate free-to-play mechanics like battle passes or microtransactions at launch—instead promising regular updates exclusively for purchasers.
Concord’s journey serves as an important reminder within gaming circles about listening closely to community feedback post-launch while navigating challenges inherent in developing engaging multiplayer experiences amidst fierce competition.
Ananya Upadhyay is an experienced freelance journalist specializing in investigative reporting on health and environmental issues. She is a college student and contributes to The Right Opinion, she delivers impactful news with deep analysis to inform and engage global audiences.
