Just two weeks after its launch, PlayStation made the surprising decision to shut down Concord. Firewalk Studios’ hero shooter had a disastrous debut, with only an estimated 25,000 players picking it up, as reported by IGN. In a post on the PlayStation Blog, game director Ryan Ellis openly admitted that “aspects of the game and our initial launch didn’t land the way we’d intended,” leading Firewalk to shut down the game on September 6 to explore better options to engage players.
The future of Concord remains uncertain, but it could potentially become a success story in the gaming industry. While I personally didn’t enjoy the beta of Concord, some players see potential in this first-person shooter that blends elements of Destiny and Overwatch. Firewalk has the opportunity to revitalize Concord if it chooses to, but ultimately, it will depend on the players if the game ever makes a comeback.
Reflecting on my colleague Giovanni Colantonio’s observations about Concord‘s failure shortly after its launch, the biggest challenge for the game seems to be overcoming player apathy. While criticisms about its lack of originality and premium pricing model are valid, the key hurdle for Concord is getting players to care about it. Firewalk and Sony must find a way to ignite interest in the game to secure a potential revival.
Is a Comeback Feasible?
What would it take to revive Concord? While resurrecting a game that struggled from the start is no easy task, history has shown that it can be done. So, how can Sony make a difference this time around?
First and foremost, Concord needs a stronger appeal to players. Marketed as a sci-fi hero shooter with weekly cutscenes, the initial pitch fell short. Sony must communicate why players should care about Concord more effectively, placing greater emphasis on characters and narrative instead of relying solely on sporadic cutscenes. Improving character designs and refining the rationale behind the Freegunners battling each other are essential steps.
If Firewalk believes gameplay is paramount, Concord must offer a compelling hook, such as a defining game mode. With the oversaturation of hero shooters, Concord needs to provide a unique reason for players to choose it over competitors like Overwatch 2 or Marvel Rivals. Additionally, how Sony relaunches the game will be critical, as Ellis acknowledges the need to “better reach” players. The feedback suggesting a free-to-play model could have prevented Concord‘s downfall, pointing towards a clear direction for a potential re-launch.
Furthermore, expanding the platforms where Concord is available or including it in services like PlayStation Plus could broaden its reach. Ensuring goodwill with early adopters through refunds and bonuses at the re-launch would also be beneficial in rebuilding trust. Sony has the opportunity to reshape the narrative around Concord and turn its missteps into a successful redemption story.
The road to redemption for Concord may be challenging, but with determination and player support, a successful comeback is within reach. By learning from past mistakes, Sony and Firewalk have the opportunity to transform Concord from a failed launch to a triumphant return. It’s time to adapt or face the consequences.
