Firewalk Studios' Concord: A Short-Lived Hero Shooter
Concord, Firewalk Studios' 5v5 hero shooter, met an abrupt end just two weeks after its release. Game Director Ryan Ellis announced the server shutdown on September 3rd, 2024, citing unmet expectations. The game, despite some positive player feedback, failed to achieve the anticipated success. Digital purchases on Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation Store will receive automatic refunds; physical copies should be returned according to retailer policies.
High Hopes, Dismal Reality
Sony's acquisition of Firewalk Studios, based on their potential, suggested a bright future for Concord. Ambitious plans included a first season launch in October and weekly cutscenes, even a planned appearance in the Prime Video series, Secret Level. However, poor performance forced a drastic shift in plans, resulting in only three cutscenes released.
Why Did Concord Fail?
Concord's struggles began early. Despite eight years of development, it failed to attract a substantial player base, peaking at only 697 concurrent players. Analyst Daniel Ahmad points to several factors: lack of innovation, uninspired character designs, and a $40 price point that disadvantaged it against free-to-play competitors. Minimal marketing further hampered its chances.
A Future for Concord?
Ellis stated Firewalk will explore options to better connect with players, leaving the door open for a potential return. The revival of Gigantic demonstrates the possibility of a comeback, although a simple shift to free-to-play might not solve Concord's core issues of bland character designs and uninspired gameplay. A significant overhaul, similar to the successful Final Fantasy XIV redesign, might be necessary. Game8's 56/100 review described it as "visually appealing, yet lifeless." Read our full review for more details.
