Steam's Underdog 'Concord' Surprises with Ongoing Updates

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 explores the potential scenarios.

Concord's SteamDB Update Spree Fuels Speculation

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

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? Despite its official shutdown on September 6th, its Steam page has been consistently updated.

Since September 29th, SteamDB shows 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 standing 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 was quickly pulled from stores, refunds offered, and deemed a commercial failure with overwhelmingly negative reviews.

So, why the continued updates for a seemingly dead game? Ryan Ellis, then-Game Director at Firewalk Studios, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach, in the shutdown announcement. This has fueled speculation of a potential comeback, possibly as a free-to-play title to overcome the price barrier that hampered its initial release.

Given Sony's reported $400 million investment, attempts to salvage the project aren't surprising. The ongoing updates suggest Firewalk Studios might be revamping the game, adding features, and addressing criticisms of weak characters and uninspired gameplay.

However, this remains conjecture. Sony's silence on Concord's future leaves much to the imagination. Could a revamped version with improved mechanics, broader appeal, or a new monetization model be on the horizon? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony know for sure. Even as a free-to-play title, Concord would face an uphill battle in a fiercely competitive market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and Sony offers no official statements. Whether this game rises from the ashes remains uncertain, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.