Sony’s newest PlayStation 5 shooter, Concord, has been taken offline merely two weeks after its release on August 23.
Designed as a team-based hero shooter similar to Overwatch, Concord failed to captivate gamers despite initial enthusiasm. Only managing to attract player counts in the hundreds on Steam and selling fewer than 25,000 copies, it quickly became one of the biggest flops in the gaming community this year.
Sony responded by issuing full refunds to all players and immediately ceasing sales of the game. In an official statement, Sony acknowledged the feedback from the gaming community, pointing out that certain aspects of the game did not meet expectations. ‘While many qualities of the experience resonated with players, we also recognize that other aspects of the game and our initial launch didn’t land the way we’d intended,’ the statement read.
This swift removal is unusual for a high-profile multiplayer game. Typically, games like Evolve, Lawbreakers, and Paragon have lingered for about a year despite similar struggles. Meanwhile, other releases such as Helldivers II have thrived, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
The announcement also highlighted Sony’s ongoing commitment to exploring better ways to engage players. The future of Concord remains uncertain, as the company did not indicate whether the game would be permanently shelved or reintroduced with major changes later.
Concord’s development was notably lengthy and expensive, spanning eight years and costing over $100 million. Acquired by Sony in 2023 as part of its live-service game developer acquisitions, its quick downfall contrasts sharply with the company’s high hopes for long-term multiplayer successes.
The abrupt termination of Concord’s availability underscores the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even highly anticipated releases can face swift rejection. Whether Concord will make a return remains to be seen, but for now, it serves as a cautionary tale in game development.
Source: Theguardian