The Rise and Fall of Concord: Lessons from Sony's Abandoned Multiplayer Dream

The recent closure of Concord's servers has left fans and industry experts alike in a state of uncertainty. Launched with high hopes as a new multiplayer shooter from Sony, the game faced abandonment in just over a week, failing to capture the audience it desperately needed. With its closure, questions arise: could it return, and if so, would introducing a free-to-play model save it from the grave? There is much to unpack, especially as the gaming community reflects on what went wrong and what the future holds for Sony's ambitious title.

Concord’s Swift Shutdown

As of September 6, 2023, Concord officially ceased operations. Launched with much anticipation, the game unfortunately could not stand the test of player engagement. Its concurrent player count on Steam plummeted, leading to an unexpected and hasty demise. Reports estimate a disheartening 25,000 copies sold, an astonishingly low figure for a first-party game, especially in a competitive market.

Historical Context: A Unique Case

Mat Piscatella, executive director at Circana, described Concord's termination as "unprecedented" in the landscape of gaming. In contrast to titles like Anthem, which garnered substantial sales before its decline, Concord’s fate went remarkably different. "This one reads differently," Piscatella notes, hinting at a stronger disconnect between the game and its potential player base.

The Community Reacts

Fans took to platforms like X/Twitter and Resetera to express their thoughts and speculate on what’s next for the fallen title. Discussions pivoted around its possible transformation into a free-to-play model. Some enthusiasts feel it's a plausible direction, while others remain skeptical about its execution.

Potential Shift to Free-to-Play

Forbes writer Paul Tassi highlighted the inevitability of a transition to free-to-play, sparking discussions about its potential to shift player perceptions. However, a genuine concern exists regarding player retention and the monetization design originally intended for the game, which might complicate this transition.

Failing to Connect

A primary factor in Concord's struggle appears to be its character roster. Initial designs and writing were perceived by many as lacking originality, drawing unfortunate comparisons to popular franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy. In a gaming ecosystem teeming with aggressive competition, this failure to innovate proved detrimental.

Competitive Gameplay Strengths

Regardless of its shortcomings, some aspects of Concord were celebrated. Players found its competitive gameplay engaging and the map design commendable. During its final days, dedicated gamers raced against time to unlock coveted trophies, solidifying their commitment to the game—even as its end loomed. The competitive spirit displayed by players speaks volumes about the game’s potential even in its short lifespan.

Community Sentiments on Concord’s Future

In the community, some voices are more optimistic about a possible revival. A Resetera member articulated a scenario where Concord could emerge as a free-to-play title, though skepticism remains regarding its viability. The sentiment draws attention to the unfortunate situation at Firewalk Studios, the developer behind Concord, as they witness the fruits of their labor slip away.

Expert Opinions Diverge

Piscatella remains divided in his outlook. He recognizes that the IP has been largely overlooked. However, he entertains the notion that with a fresh approach and a robust marketing strategy, there may still be life in the franchise. The unpredictability of the gaming market leaves all potential outcomes open.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Franchise

Although Concord has dimmed in the gaming spotlight, there are still remnants of hope for the franchise. The game is set to make an appearance in an upcoming Prime Video anthology series called Secret Level, spearheaded by Tim Miller. This inclusion could potentially revive interest, albeit briefly, amidst the game's ongoing downturn.

The Future of Firewalk Studios

For Firewalk Studios, the path ahead remains murky. Established in 2018 and acquired by PlayStation in 2023, the team worked tirelessly towards making Concord a title that could shine. Design director Josh Hamrick, known for his optimistic approach, expressed gratitude to fans as they bid farewell to the game. However, hints of uncertainty linger about the team’s future.

Additions to Sony's Portfolio

Sony’s roadmap for free-to-play games is still underway, with projects like Fairgame$ and Bungie’s Marathon in development. Yet, challenges have surrounded these upcoming titles, hinting that the road to success can be fraught with difficulties—including director changes and staff layoffs. The industry’s ever-shifting landscape leaves questions about whether Sony can find a significant success among its live service offerings after Concord’s failure.

A Bright Spot: The Success of Helldivers 2

While the shadows of Concord loom large, Sony can take solace in the successful launch and player reception of Helldivers 2 earlier this year. It serves as a reminder that success is achievable, even in a tightly contested market. Balancing such victories with the lessons learned from Concord is critical as they forge ahead.

The Heart of the Matter

Concord's rapid closure raises substantial questions not just for Sony but the industry as a whole. As players and experts dissect what befell the title, the focus shifts to finding viable strategies for future projects. Whether Concord finds a rebirth in a new model or quietly fades into memory remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts on Concord's Legacy

Ultimately, the cycle of development, release, and the wind-down of Concord serves as an example of the complexities surrounding modern live service games. As the gaming community observes these developments, it will be crucial to pay attention to the lessons learned and the innovative paths that await. Concord may be gone, but the reflections it inspires could pave the way for smarter, more engaging titles in the future.