Firewalk Studios' Concord: A Short-Lived Hero Shooter
Concord, Firewalk Studios' 5v5 hero shooter, met an abrupt end just two weeks after its launch. The game's failure to meet expectations led to the shutdown of its servers on September 6th, 2024, as announced by Game Director Ryan Ellis. Despite some positive player feedback on certain aspects, the overall reception fell short of the studio's goals. Digital purchases received automatic refunds, while physical copies require returns through the respective retailers.
High Hopes, Dismal Results
The closure is a significant setback, considering Sony's acquisition of Firewalk Studios based on their perceived potential. Ambitious post-launch plans, including a season launch and weekly cutscenes, were abandoned due to the game's poor performance. Only three cutscenes were ultimately released.
Reasons for Failure
Concord's struggles began early. Even after an eight-year development period, player interest remained minimal, peaking at only 697 concurrent players. Analysts point to several contributing factors: a lack of innovation and uninspired character designs, failing to differentiate itself from competitors; a $40 price point, placing it at a disadvantage against free-to-play rivals; and a near-absence of marketing.
Future Possibilities and Lessons Learned
While the immediate future of Concord is uncertain, Firewalk Studios is exploring options for future engagement. The possibility of a revival exists, as demonstrated by the successful relaunch of Gigantic. However, simply making Concord free-to-play wouldn't solve its core problems—lackluster character designs and gameplay mechanics. A complete overhaul, similar to Final Fantasy XIV's successful redesign, might be necessary for a potential comeback. Game8's review gave Concord a 56/100, highlighting its visually appealing yet lifeless gameplay. The game serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of innovation, marketing, and addressing core gameplay issues in the competitive hero shooter market.
