When Concord was first revealed, it faced low expectations and a mixed reception. As a hero shooter entering a crowded field dominated by a few major titles, the odds were stacked against its success.
The intensely competitive nature of the genre and the challenges faced by even the established giants made it clear that any newcomer would have a tough road ahead. Despite being in development for eight years and receiving substantial support from Sony, Concord’s launch failed to make a significant impact.
This has prompted a reassessment of Sony’s live-service strategy and the future direction of its first-party studios. The company’s acquisition of developer Firewalk Studios and its focus on live-service games may need to be reevaluated based on the lessons learned from Concord’s underwhelming reception.
The shift in PlayStation’s game lineup from diverse exclusives to a focus on maximizing profits has been noted, leading to a dilution of its unique cultural identity. Concord’s lackluster launch and player count underline the challenges faced by live-service games in sustaining engagement and interest.
This raises questions about the game’s continued existence and the viability of its model. The anticipated outcome of Concord’s post-launch analysis is a cause for concern, not just for the game itself, but for the broader live-service market.
The hope is that the disappointment with Concord will prompt Sony to refocus on its traditional strengths and return to what it does best. The game is scheduled for release in 2024 on the PS5 and PC as a PvP multiplayer title.
