Concord: A Brief but Memorable Journey in Gaming

In 2024, Firewalk Studios introduced the world to Concord, a first-person hero shooter. Released on August 23, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Windows, the game entered a competitive market, aiming to stand out among other well-known titles. Despite high expectations, Concord received mixed reviews and struggled with poor sales.

In a surprising twist, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced on September 3 that the game would be shut down just two weeks after its release, with all purchased copies refunded.

Gameplay Highlights

Concord is a sci-fi, player-versus-player hero shooter. Players dive into the action from a first-person perspective, controlling various alien characters, each with unique abilities. For example, some characters have robot legs for high jumps, while others boast diamond skin, which enhances their ability to absorb damage. One of the most intriguing groups in the game is the Freegunners, a band of mercenaries with a distinctive edge.

Initially, Concord introduced five characters in its preview, but by the official release, it had expanded to include sixteen. This diverse roster allowed players to explore different playstyles and strategies. The developers planned to offer free post-launch updates, adding more characters and maps to keep the game fresh. Additionally, weekly cutscenes were set to expand the storyline and deepen player engagement with the characters.

Development and Launch

Concord marked the debut project for Firewalk Studios, a game development company based in Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 2018, Firewalk began developing Concord in collaboration with its parent company, ProbablyMonsters. However, the game’s development took a new direction when Sony Interactive Entertainment acquired Firewalk Studios in April 2023. This acquisition brought Concord under Sony’s direct oversight, raising expectations for its success.

The game was officially announced during the PlayStation Showcase on May 24, 2023, with a CGI trailer that generated excitement within the gaming community. However, the beta release in July 2024 was met with a lukewarm response, as player numbers fell short of expectations. Despite these early challenges, Concord was officially released on August 23, 2024, after eight years of development.

Swift Shutdown

Just ten days after the game’s launch, Sony announced the shutdown of Concord. The decision was unexpected but came with a clear explanation: “Aspects of the game and our initial launch didn’t land the way we’d intended.” Sony decided to take the game offline, delist it from digital storefronts, and offer full refunds to all players who had purchased it.

Several factors contributed to the swift shutdown. First, Concord struggled to distinguish itself from other popular hero shooters like Overwatch and Apex Legends. Critics pointed out that the game lacked innovative gameplay mechanics, which are crucial in this highly competitive genre. The character roster, although diverse, was often described as generic, failing to captivate players. Additionally, the map design faced criticism for being frustrating and not offering a satisfying player experience.

Another significant issue was the game’s pricing model. In a genre where most competitors are free-to-play, Concord launched as a full-priced release. This decision likely alienated potential players who were unwilling to pay for a game that didn’t outperform its free counterparts. Furthermore, Concord’s lengthy eight-year development process contributed to its struggles. By the time it was released, the game felt outdated and out of sync with current market trends and player expectations.

Unexpected Adaptation

Despite the challenges Concord faced, its story didn’t end with the shutdown. In August 2024, it was announced that Concord would be adapted into the video game anthology series Secret Level. This series is known for exploring the narratives of games that, for various reasons, didn’t achieve commercial success. Concord’s inclusion in Secret Level gives the game a second chance to be appreciated from a different perspective.

The decision to adopt Concord into the Secret Level acknowledges the potential and effort behind its creation. It also highlights the evolving nature of the gaming industry, where even games that don’t succeed commercially can find new life in other formats. While Concord may not have met its initial goals, its story will continue through this new platform, reaching audiences who might not have experienced the game firsthand.

Final Thoughts

Concord’s journey, though brief, was marked by high expectations, challenges, and a swift conclusion. Despite being in development for eight years, the game struggled to make a lasting impact in a crowded market. However, the upcoming adaptation of Secret Level offers a new chapter in Concord’s story. This adaptation allows the game to be remembered not just as a commercial failure but as part of the broader narrative of the gaming industry.

As Concord’s story unfolds in Secret Level, it serves as a reminder that the gaming world is full of surprises. Games that don’t succeed in one arena may find new life and meaning in another. Although Concord didn’t achieve the success Firewalk Studios initially hoped for, its legacy will live on through this new medium, contributing to the rich and diverse history of video games.