Firewalk Studios' Concord: A Short-Lived Hero Shooter
Concord, Firewalk Studios' 5v5 hero shooter, met an abrupt end just two weeks after its launch. The game's failure to meet expectations led to the shutdown of its servers on September 6th, 2024, as announced by Game Director Ryan Ellis on the PlayStation Blog. Despite some positive player feedback on certain aspects, the overall launch fell short of the studio's goals. Digital purchases on Steam, Epic Games Store, and the PlayStation Store received automatic refunds; physical copies require contacting the retailer for returns.
High Expectations, Dismal Results
The closure is a significant setback, considering Sony's acquisition of Firewalk Studios based on their perceived potential and the ambitious post-launch plans. These included a first season launch in October and weekly cutscenes, a plan ultimately thwarted by the game's poor performance. Only three cutscenes were released – two from the beta and one shortly before the shutdown announcement.
Why Did Concord Fail?
Concord's struggles began early. Despite an eight-year development cycle, player interest remained extremely low, peaking at only 697 concurrent players. Analyst Daniel Ahmad points to several factors: a lack of innovation, uninspired character designs, and a high price point ($40) compared to free-to-play competitors like Apex Legends and Valorant. The absence of significant marketing further hampered its success.
A Future for Concord?
While Ellis stated Firewalk Studios will explore future options, the path forward remains unclear. While a free-to-play model might be considered, addressing the core issues – bland character designs and uninspired gameplay – is paramount. A complete overhaul, similar to the successful revival of Final Fantasy XIV, might be necessary to breathe new life into the project. Game8's 56/100 review highlighted the unfortunate contrast between Concord's visual appeal and its lackluster gameplay. Our full review is available for further details.
