Sony’s highly anticipated game, *Concord*, has been deemed a significant failure after its release on August 23, 2024. Despite a strong promotional push, the game struggled with lackluster interest and priced at €40, it couldn’t compete with similar free-to-play titles. Player numbers dwindled rapidly, leading Sony to shut down the game’s servers and withdraw it from sale just two weeks post-launch. The closure also resulted in the termination of over a hundred jobs at Firewalk Studios, marking a grim chapter in the gaming industry.
When Sony launches an exclusive title, it usually garners significant attention and success. Players have come to expect high-quality experiences from names like Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarok, Uncharted 4, Horizon: Forbidden West, and The Last of Us. Even lesser-known titles, like Helldivers II, manage to outperform expectations despite limited marketing. Unfortunately, this winning streak did not extend to Firewalk Studios’ ambitious AAA title, Concord.
The Disappointing Release of Concord
Many gamers are familiar with the considerable hype surrounding Concord, which faced significant backlash upon its release a few months ago. Sony heavily promoted the game during a State of Play event, showcasing its characters, universe, and gameplay for an extended period. However, the artistic direction failed to impress, leaving many spectators underwhelmed. Adding to the disappointment, the game was priced at 40 euros, a tough sell in a market dominated by free-to-play competitors like Overwatch and Apex Legends. This combination suggested a downward trend for Concord.
The game’s beta phase struggled to attract a sizeable audience, and when Concord officially launched on August 23, it quickly became apparent that it did not distinguish itself in the crowded genre. Reports indicated that only around 700 players were online simultaneously on Steam within days of its release. Even more alarming, two weeks post-launch, the game managed to sell just 10,000 copies on Steam and 15,000 on PlayStation 5. This poor performance led Sony to close the servers and ultimately pull the game from sale, offering refunds to players.
The Final Curtain for Concord and Firewalk Studios
As of September 6, Concord has ceased to be playable. Sony stated that this move was not an indication of abandoning the game but rather a strategic pause to rethink how to engage players. Despite this, a recent official press release confirmed the permanent shutdown of both Concord and Firewalk Studios:
official press release
Source
For those holding onto hope for a Concord revival in the hero-shooter landscape, that dream has been extinguished. This outcome was anticipated by many but is undoubtedly tragic for the developers. With over a hundred employees at Firewalk Studios likely facing unemployment, the situation underscores the continuing challenges within the gaming industry this year.
Concord will be remembered as one of the industry’s major flops, shutting down its servers and ceasing operations just 15 days after its initial launch. Despite the overwhelming odds, however, one dedicated player remains logged in…