Photo credit: venturebeat.com
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Recent news has highlighted the disappointing journey of Concord, the multiplayer title developed by Firewalk Studios. The game faced an unfavorable market upon its release, ultimately leading to poor sales. As a result, both PlayStation and Firewalk have decided to remove it from digital stores and temporarily cease operations related to the game. They are also processing refunds for all digital purchases made on console and PC, although physical copies may still be in circulation.
The conclusion of Concord’s story marks a grim chapter for Firewalk Studios, which launched its first title with great anticipation. PlayStation commenced its partnership with the studio back in 2021, later acquiring Firewalk in 2023, maintaining a consistent interest in the game. Initially, Firewalk’s goal of creating an innovative multiplayer experience seemed promising. As expressed by Tony Hsu during the announcement of the partnership: “These amazing and unpredictable moments in gaming are the sparks that occur when playing with others; future memories ready to be replayed and retold.” This sentiment feels particularly poignant in light of the current situation.
What compounds this disappointment is the belief that the game’s fate might have been avoidable. While it’s understandable that the team was eager to dive into the live service multiplayer format, the release was marred by a host of challenges. The timing, price point, and lackluster marketing strategy all contributed to the game’s struggles. It raises questions about how the gaming community would have received Concord had it been developed independently of PlayStation’s involvement, and whether such a concept would have ever seen the light of day without that partnership.
On a personal note, I’ve recently returned from a preview event where I spent several hours testing Dragon Age: The Veilguard. With my hands tied in discussing specifics, I can share that extended gameplay sessions can be quite exhausting. As a result, I’m leaning towards shorter gaming experiences this weekend—something easy to play casually. I’ve been wanting to dive into Vampire Therapist, and titles like Emio: The Smiling Man, Famicom Detective Club, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are all on my radar. Astro Bot would also satisfy my need for engaging gameplay.
Join us for GamesBeat Next!
GamesBeat Next is set to connect the next generation of video game leaders. Mark your calendars for October 28th and 29th in San Francisco! Take advantage of our buy one, get one free pass offer until this Friday, August 16th. Register here.
What to play this week
What’s new:
- Astro Bot
- NBA 2K25
- Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
- Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
- The Casting of Frank Stone
- Age of Mythology: Retold
- Shogun Showdown
- Star Trucker
- Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open
New on subscription services:
- Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (Xbox Game Pass)
- MLB The Show 24 (PlayStation Plus)
- Little Nightmares II (PlayStation Plus)
- Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition (Prime Gaming)
- Borderlands 2 (Prime Gaming)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (Prime Gaming)
- GreedFall: Gold Edition (Prime Gaming)
- Whispered Secrets: Everburning Candle Collector’s Edition (Prime Gaming)
- Minabo — A Walk through Life (Prime Gaming)
- Eternights (Prime Gaming)
- Lego: Indiana Jones – The Original Adventures (Prime Gaming)
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (Prime Gaming)
- Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts (GeForce Now)
- Crime Scene Cleaner (GeForce Now)
- Sins of a Solar Empire II (GeForce Now)
Source
venturebeat.com