Despite the abrupt closure of the PlayStation 5 shooter Concord, the game will still feature in Amazon’s upcoming animated video game anthology series Secret Level.

In a surprising twist following the recent shutdown of the PlayStation 5 shooter Concord, it has been confirmed that the now-defunct game will continue to be featured in Amazon’s highly anticipated animated video game anthology series, Secret Level. The announcement comes despite the game’s abrupt removal from sale only two weeks after its launch due to disappointing player engagement.

Secret Level, set to premiere on December 10, 2024, on Prime Video, is a 15-episode series created by the minds behind Love, Death & Robots. The show aims to present original stories inspired by various video game franchises, with episodes dedicated to titles such as Armored Core, Crossfire, Dungeons & Dragons, Honor of Kings, Mega Man, New World: Aeternum, PAC-MAN, Sifu, Spelunky, The Outer Worlds, Unreal Tournament, Warhammer 40,000, and several PlayStation Studios games.

Among the featured episodes, Concord was set to be highlighted as part of the anthology, an inclusion that initially served as a promotional tie-in for the game. However, the unexpected shutdown of Concord just weeks after its release raised questions about whether its associated episode would be cut from the series.

According to a report by IGN, which cites a source close to the production, Amazon has decided to retain the Concord episode in Secret Level despite the game’s closure. While Amazon has yet to officially comment, the decision seems to reflect the substantial investment made in the episode’s production. The inclusion of Concord’s episode in the series will provide fans with a final look at the game, even as it remains unavailable for play.

This episode’s continuation highlights the complex dynamics between video game promotions and media adaptations. Even though Concord’s player numbers did not meet expectations, its appearance in Secret Level will serve as a testament to the game’s original vision and offer a unique viewing experience for fans of the shooter and the series.

The series is expected to deliver a blend of narrative styles and visual aesthetics, providing diverse and innovative takes on popular gaming franchises. Fans of both Secret Level and the featured games can look forward to a visually captivating and creatively ambitious anthology.

Analysis:

Political:

The decision to include Concord in Secret Level despite its shutdown may reflect broader trends in media and entertainment politics, where substantial investments and marketing strategies often dictate content decisions. This move underscores how financial commitments and contractual obligations can influence the inclusion of content, even when the associated product has underperformed. Such decisions may also prompt discussions about the relationship between media adaptations and their source material’s market success.

Social:

The inclusion of Concord in Secret Level highlights the evolving nature of how video games are integrated into broader media formats. It reflects a social shift towards acknowledging and preserving the legacy of gaming experiences, regardless of their commercial success. This choice may resonate with fans who view video games as a significant cultural medium, and it illustrates the value placed on creative projects even when their original platforms falter.

Racial:

While the situation with Concord and the Secret Level does not directly address racial issues, it reflects the broader context of diversity and representation within the gaming and media industries. The inclusion of various game franchises in Secret Level indicates an effort to showcase a wide range of cultural and creative expressions. Future episodes and series may benefit from continued focus on diverse and inclusive storytelling, addressing the evolving expectations of audiences.

Gender:

The gender dynamics in the context of Concord’s inclusion in the Secret Level are less pronounced but still relevant. The industry’s handling of projects involving diverse characters and themes can be seen as part of a larger conversation about gender representation in media. The response to such decisions may influence how future projects navigate gender and inclusion, reflecting ongoing societal discussions about diversity and representation.

Economic:

Economically, retaining Concord’s episode in Secret Level despite the game’s closure represents a strategic move to capitalize on existing investments. The decision likely reflects the substantial financial resources already allocated to the production of the episode, and the desire to maximize the return on that investment. This move also highlights the complexities of managing media content when associated products face commercial challenges, emphasizing the intricate relationship between content creation and economic considerations.