Sony's 'Concord' Still Receiving Steam Updates Despite Commercial Failure

Despite its swift demise weeks after launch, Concord, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, continues to receive updates on Steam, sparking considerable speculation among gamers. This article delves into these mysterious updates and the potential implications for the game's future.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

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

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? While officially offline since September 6th, its Steam page shows a surprising flurry of activity.

Since September 29th, SteamDB logs over 20 updates attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." These account names suggest a focus on backend improvements and quality assurance ("QAE" possibly stands for "Quality Assurance Engineer").

Concord's August launch was a high-profile flop. Its $40 price tag proved a significant hurdle in a market dominated by free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The game's poor reception led to its rapid removal from stores and refunds for players. Its low player count and negative reviews sealed its fate as a commercial failure.

The continued updates are puzzling. Ryan Ellis, former Firewalk Studios Game Director, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach, in the game's shutdown announcement. This fuels speculation of a potential comeback, possibly as a free-to-play title. This shift could address the pricing criticism that contributed to the game's downfall.

Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—makes a complete abandonment unlikely. The updates suggest a possible overhaul, incorporating new features and addressing negative feedback regarding character design and gameplay mechanics.

However, this remains purely speculative. Sony has remained silent on Concord's future. Will it return with enhanced mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization model? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony possess the answers. Even a free-to-play relaunch faces an uphill battle in the fiercely competitive hero shooter landscape.

Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and Sony offers no official statements. The future of Concord remains uncertain, leaving players to ponder whether it will ever rise from the ashes of its failed launch.