Sony's 'Concord' Updates Linger Despite Flop

Despite being swiftly removed from digital stores after a disastrous launch, Sony's Concord continues to receive updates on Steam. This unexpected activity has sparked considerable speculation among gamers.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

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

Remember Concord, the hero shooter that fizzled out almost immediately? While officially offline since September 6th, its Steam page shows a steady stream of updates.

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

Concord's August launch was a significant misstep. Priced at $40, it faced stiff competition from free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The result? A near-instantaneous failure, prompting Sony to pull the game and offer refunds within two weeks. Poor player reception and overwhelmingly negative reviews sealed its fate.

So, why the continued updates? In the shutdown announcement, former Firewalk Studios Game Director Ryan Ellis hinted at exploring options to better connect with players. This, coupled with the ongoing updates, fuels speculation of a potential comeback, possibly as a free-to-play game. Removing the purchase barrier could address a key criticism of the original release.

Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—makes an attempt to salvage the project unsurprising. The updates suggest Firewalk Studios might be using this time to revamp the game, adding new features and addressing initial criticisms, such as uninspired gameplay and underwhelming characters.

However, this remains pure speculation. Sony has remained silent on Concord's future. Will it return with refined mechanics, broader appeal, or a new monetization model? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony know for sure. Even as a free-to-play title, it would face a challenging uphill battle in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and Sony hasn't offered any official updates. Whether Concord will rise from the ashes of its failed launch remains to be seen.