PlayStation's newly launched game 'Concord' will be taken offline and players will be refunded just two weeks post its release. The game, developed by Firewalk Studios, experienced poor sales and low player engagement, with peak concurrent players reaching only 697 on its launch day. The future of 'Concord' remains uncertain as the developers explore options to better reach its potential audience.
PlayStation's recent release, the multiplayer shooter 'Concord', developed by Firewalk Studios, has faced a significant setback. Launched on August 23, 2024, the game is set to go offline on September 6, 2024, due to underwhelming player numbers and sales. This decision underscores the challenges faced by new entries in the competitive live service game market, where player engagement and financial viability are critical for survival.
Following the disappointing launch, PlayStation announced a full refund for all players who purchased 'Concord'. The refunds will be processed through the same platforms where purchases were made, including PlayStation Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store. This move reflects the game's inability to attract and maintain a viable player base, which is crucial for the success of live service games.
The live service game market is fiercely competitive, with many games vying for players' time and money. 'Concord' struggled to carve out a niche despite its high production values and the pedigree of Firewalk Studios. The game's failure to resonate with a larger audience highlights the difficulty of launching new games in this saturated market, where established titles dominate player attention and spending.
Despite the initial setback, the developers at Firewalk Studios are exploring alternative strategies to re-introduce 'Concord' to the market. Potential pathways include transitioning to a free-to-play model, which could address the game's accessibility and appeal to a broader audience. The future of 'Concord' remains uncertain, but the studio remains committed to finding a viable path forward for the game.
The quick discontinuation of 'Concord' serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in launching new games in the competitive live service market. While PlayStation and Firewalk Studios navigate this setback, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how 'Concord' might evolve and re-emerge in an industry where player expectations and market dynamics are constantly shifting.
"While many qualities of the experience resonated with players, we also recognize that other aspects of the game and our initial launch didn’t land the way we’d intended." - Ryan Ellis