Concord's Fleeting Existence: Not the Briefs

Firewalk Studios' Concord: A Short-Lived Hero Shooter

Firewalk Studios' 5v5 hero shooter, Concord, met an abrupt end just two weeks after its launch. The game, released to a muted reception and failing to meet expectations, saw its servers shut down on September 6th, 2024. Game Director Ryan Ellis announced the closure, citing a disconnect between the game's qualities and player reception. Full refunds were issued for digital purchases on Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation Store.

The game's failure is a surprising turn, given the high hopes surrounding its development. Sony's acquisition of Firewalk Studios, based on their perceived potential, and the planned inclusion of Concord in the Prime Video series "Secret Level," suggested a promising future. However, the lack of significant player interest, peaking at only 697 concurrent players, quickly derailed these plans. An ambitious post-launch roadmap, including weekly cutscenes and a season launch, was drastically curtailed.

Several factors contributed to Concord's downfall. Analyst Daniel Ahmad points to a lack of innovation and uninspired character designs, failing to differentiate it from established competitors like Overwatch. The game's $40 price tag further hindered its appeal, placing it at a disadvantage against free-to-play rivals. A significant marketing shortfall also played a role in its poor performance.

While a future revival isn't entirely ruled out, significant changes would be needed. Simply transitioning to a free-to-play model, as suggested by some, is unlikely to address the underlying issues of bland character design and uninspired gameplay. A complete overhaul, akin to the successful restructuring of Final Fantasy XIV, might be necessary to breathe new life into the project. Game8's review, awarding Concord a 56/100, highlights the disparity between its visual appeal and its ultimately lifeless gameplay. The game serves as a cautionary tale of high expectations unmet, highlighting the crucial role of player engagement and market differentiation in the competitive world of hero shooters.