Concord Runs Its Brief Course

Firewalk Studios' Concord: A Short-Lived Hero Shooter

Concord, Firewalk Studios' 5v5 hero shooter, met an abrupt end just two weeks after 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. While some aspects resonated with players, the overall impact fell significantly short of the studio's goals. Full refunds were issued for digital purchases on Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation Store.

The game's demise is surprising considering Sony's acquisition of Firewalk Studios, based on their belief in the studio's potential. Ambitious plans included a first season launch and weekly cutscenes, but poor performance drastically altered these goals. Only three cutscenes were released before shutdown.

Several factors contributed to Concord's failure. Despite an eight-year development cycle, the game lacked player interest, peaking at only 697 concurrent players. Analyst Daniel Ahmad points to a lack of innovation, uninspired character designs, and a high price point ($40) compared to free-to-play competitors as major drawbacks. Minimal marketing further hampered its success.

While a free-to-play model might be considered, the fundamental issues of bland character design and uninspired gameplay remain. A complete overhaul, similar to the successful revival of Final Fantasy XIV, might be necessary for any future iteration. Game8's review scored Concord a 56/100, highlighting its visual appeal but ultimately lifeless gameplay. Firewalk Studios plans to explore options for future projects. The possibility of a Concord comeback remains, but a significant restructuring is likely required.