Firewalk Studios’ highly anticipated multiplayer shooter Concord struggles to attract players, facing challenges on both Steam and PlayStation 5.
Concord, a new multiplayer shooter developed by Firewalk Studios, has faced a rocky start since its release. Despite eight years of development and significant anticipation, the game saw just 660 concurrent players on Steam at its peak over the launch weekend. The numbers have further dwindled, with daily peak players now hovering around 267.
Concord, which launched on both Steam and PlayStation 5, has not fared much better on Sony’s platform. The game, priced at £35, ranks about 30th on the PlayStation Store’s Best Selling list, overshadowed by the success of Black Myth: Wukong, which currently holds the top spot.
Developed by Firewalk Studios, a company with a team of veterans from Activision and Bungie, Concord offers a blend of sci-fi humor and hero shooter mechanics reminiscent of Overwatch. The game features six modes, 12 maps, and 16 characters, with future expansions planned for October, January, and April 2025.
The game’s release comes at a time when the market is already saturated with live-service games, making it challenging for new entries to stand out. Despite its ambitious development and the promise of future content, Concord’s launch has been met with a muted response. The competition from established titles and high-profile releases has contributed to the game’s struggles to build a player base.
Chris Tapsell of Eurogamer expressed concern about Concord‘s prospects, noting the difficulties faced by new games in a crowded market. The game’s lackluster start highlights the challenges of capturing player interest in an industry full of high expectations and fierce competition.
Analysis:
Political:
Concord‘s underwhelming launch highlights the influence of market dynamics on the success of new games. While not directly political, the event reflects broader trends in the gaming industry that can be influenced by policy changes and economic conditions. For instance, regulatory changes affecting digital sales or live-service models could impact future game launches and their success.
Social:
The struggles of Concord mirror the current societal debates about the saturation of live-service games and the impact of high-profile releases on new titles. The game’s challenges reveal the pressures developers face to stand out in a crowded market and the expectations players have for new releases. The industry’s focus on continuous updates and expansions also reflects broader societal trends toward ongoing engagement and content consumption.
Racial:
While Concord‘s launch does not directly involve racial issues, the diversity of characters and themes in the game could be relevant in the broader context of inclusivity in gaming. The game’s reception may be influenced by how well it resonates with diverse audiences and whether it represents varied perspectives and experiences.
Gender:
Concord‘s launch and reception do not prominently address gender issues. However, the game’s design and character representation could be seen as part of a broader discussion about gender inclusivity in gaming. The industry continues to grapple with creating diverse and equitable representations, and how Concord handles these aspects may impact its reception among different gender demographics.
Economic:
The economic pressures on Concord highlight the risks and rewards of launching a new game in a competitive market. The significant investment in development and the challenges of monetizing a live-service game reflect the financial dynamics of the gaming industry. The game’s initial struggle to attract players underscores the economic risks associated with high development costs and market saturation. The impact of competing releases and player preferences also plays a crucial role in determining a game’s financial success.
