Sony's 'Concord' Flop Gets Ongoing Steam Support

Despite its swift demise after launch, Concord, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, continues to receive updates on Steam. This unexpected activity has sparked considerable speculation among gamers.

Concord's Post-Launch Updates Fuel Speculation

Free-to-Play Conversion or Gameplay Overhaul? Theories Abound

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that flopped spectacularly? While officially offline since September 6th, its Steam page shows a steady stream of updates.

Since September 29th, SteamDB has logged over 20 updates, attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." These account names suggest the updates might focus on backend improvements and quality assurance ("QAE").

Concord's August launch was a significant misstep. Priced at $40, it faced stiff competition from free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The launch was disastrous; Sony pulled the game and issued refunds within two weeks, citing low player numbers and negative reception.

The ongoing updates are puzzling. Ryan Ellis, former Firewalk Studios Game Director, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach, in the game's shutdown announcement. This has fueled speculation of a potential relaunch, possibly as a free-to-play title. This could address the high price point that many criticized.

Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—suggests an attempt to salvage the project. The updates might indicate Firewalk Studios is overhauling the game, adding features and addressing criticisms of weak characters and uninspired gameplay.

However, Sony remains silent on Concord's future. Will it return with improved mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization strategy? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony know for sure. Even as a free-to-play title, Concord would face a challenging uphill battle in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and Sony has yet to offer official updates. The future of Concord remains uncertain, leaving its fate shrouded in mystery.