Despite a swift demise following its release, Concord, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, continues to receive updates on Steam. This unexpected activity has sparked considerable speculation among gamers.
Concord's SteamDB Updates Fuel Speculation: Free-to-Play Resurgence?
Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? Though officially discontinued since September 6th, its Steam page shows consistent updates. SteamDB logs over 20 updates since September 29th, attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping," hinting at behind-the-scenes improvements and quality assurance efforts.
Concord's August launch was a significant misstep. Priced at $40, it faced stiff competition from established free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. Its short lifespan and overwhelmingly negative reception led to a rapid withdrawal from stores and refunds for players.
The ongoing updates, however, have ignited a wave of speculation. Former Firewalk Studios Game Director, Ryan Ellis, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach. Many believe these updates foreshadow a potential relaunch, possibly as a free-to-play title, addressing the initial criticism of its high price point.
Given Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—attempts to salvage the project are plausible. The updates suggest Firewalk Studios may be overhauling the game, potentially adding features and rectifying issues such as underwhelming character design and uninspired gameplay.
While Sony remains silent, the possibilities are numerous. Could Concord return with refined mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization model? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony possess the answer. Even a free-to-play transition would face an uphill battle in a saturated market.
Currently, Concord remains unavailable for purchase, and its future remains uncertain. Whether it will rise from its disastrous launch remains to be seen.
