Only two weeks after launch , PlayStation made the shameful decision toshut downConcord . Firewalk Studios ’ much - derided hero gunman had a black launching , one that analysts count on only 25,000 thespian picked up , according toIGN . In aPlayStation Blogpost , game director Ryan Ellis was transparent about the fact that “ aspect of the game and our initial launching did n’t land the way we ’d intend ” and that Firewalk will shut the game down on September 6 to “ explore options , include those that will better reach our players . ”
It ’s potential thatConcordwill never return , or that it will become the video secret plan industry ’s next comeback tale . I did n’t like what I played ofConcordduring its genus Beta , but I understand that some players see the potential of this first - somebody shooter that find a middle ground betweenDestinyandOverwatch . There are footprint Firewalk can take to giveConcorda 2d chance at living , even if its fate is ultimately in the hands of players if it ever total back .
I recall my co-worker Giovanni Colantoniowrote about the nonstarter ofConcordshortly after its release : We can critique its lack of original estimation and premium press release example , but more often than not , apathy wasConcord ’s superlative foeman . If Firewalk and Sony want people to care aboutConcord , overcoming that indifference will be the great challenge in givingConcorda second wind .
Is a comeback possible?
So , what does the path to rehabilitatingConcordlook like ? There are no easy answers , specially with a game that was functionally dead on comer . Still , history shows us that it can be done . So where could Sony make an impact ?
Most crucially , Concordneeds a dependable sale pitch . It was bill as a sci - fi hero shooter with weekly cutscenes , but that was n’t appeal enough . Why should histrion worry aboutConcord ? That ’s something Sony has struggled to get across , but it needs a sound reply . If Firewalk want to emphasize its characters and narrative , those take to be a priority rather than dumb dripped out in hebdomadary cutscenes . reference designs could apply improving , and the premiss of why these Freegunners are fighting each other needs to make more mother wit .
If Firewalk believes that gameplay is mogul , thenConcordneed a stronger hook like a defining style . The hero torpedo market is oversaturated at this point , so whenever it add up back , we ’ll need a reason to pickConcordover the ilk ofOverwatch 2orMarvel Rivals . Then , there ’s the matter of how Sony releases it , as even Ellis admits the biz necessitate a way to “ well give ” players . While we can contend whether the $ 40 price tag make for a part inConcord ’s bankruptcy , the reverberating feedback that it should have been a complimentary - to - play secret plan should make the practiced direction for aConcordre - launching clear .
On top of that , PlayStation may want to consider lucubrate the number of platformsConcordis on or declare oneself it via services like PlayStation Plus . That ’s its best chance at reaching the greatest number of players potential if that ’s a precedence . It also require to make respectable on those who bought the game at launching to relieve undecomposed will . Sony is already doing that with full refunds , but some sort of bonus at the relaunch for returning thespian would n’t hurt as a peace of mind oblation .
There ’s a much braggart job that ’s more challenging to lick : Sony needs to change the social narrative aroundConcord . While its exit has given PlayStation a short ton of bad Porto Rico , a re - discharge could have the potential drop to be more successful than its original departure because the video game diligence make love a good comeback story . Games likeFinal Fantasy XIV , No Man ’s Sky , andCyberpunk 2077recovered from rough releases with relaunches that won back player who thought they were lost causal agent . While doing the same withConcordwill take a band of follow - through and Firewalk , the studio apartment will earn understanding from player who mat up that their eight eld of workplace was bodge by Sony . you may see the former markings of an underdog tale in pockets of the public response to the shutdown news .
The disastrous launching ofConcordhas done more for its notoriety than any pre - release selling , and people will be yield aid to where it goes next . Its cameo in Amazon ’s upcomingSecret Levelshow could do more to mug up up mainstream tending for the IP as well , so long as it is n’t cut . Sony needs to keep the great unwashed in the loop about whereConcord’sgoing , what it ’s changing , and when we can expect it to reemerge . If killingConcordpermanently is the right matter to do , so be it , but if Sony and Firewalk are really committed to a relaunch , then they ca n’t repeat the past . It ’s time to adapt or cash in one’s chips .
