Sony's 'Concord': Updates Continue Despite Flop

Despite its swift demise weeks after launch, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, Concord, continues to receive updates on Steam. This unexpected activity has sparked considerable speculation among gamers.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

Free-to-Play Resurgence or Gameplay Overhaul? Theories Abound

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? Although officially unavailable since September 6th, its Steam page shows a steady stream of updates.

Since September 29th, SteamDB has logged over 20 updates, attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." These account names suggest the updates might focus on backend improvements and quality assurance ("QAE").

Concord's August launch was ambitious, demanding a $40 price tag in a market dominated by free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The result? A catastrophic failure. Within two weeks, Sony pulled the plug and issued refunds. Low player counts, minimal interest, and overwhelmingly negative reviews sealed its fate.

So why the continued updates? In the shutdown announcement, Ryan Ellis, then-Game Director at Firewalk Studios, hinted at exploring options to better reach players. This, coupled with the ongoing updates, fuels speculation of a potential comeback – possibly as a free-to-play title. This would address a major criticism of the original paid model.

Sony's substantial investment – reportedly up to $400 million – suggests an attempt to recoup losses. The updates might indicate Firewalk Studios is overhauling the game, adding new features, and addressing criticisms like weak character design and uninspired gameplay.

However, Sony remains silent on Concord's future. Will it return with improved mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization strategy? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony know for sure. Even a free-to-play relaunch faces an uphill battle in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable, and Sony offers no official statements. Whether it rises from the ashes remains to be seen.