Major Update for Sony's Troubled

Despite its swift demise weeks after launch, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, Concord, continues to receive updates on Steam, sparking considerable speculation among gamers. This article delves into these ongoing updates and the various theories surrounding them.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

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 offline status since September 6th, its Steam page shows a consistent stream of updates.

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

Concord's August launch was ambitious, demanding a $40 price tag in a market dominated by free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The result? A catastrophic failure. Pulled from stores within two weeks, Sony issued refunds, leaving behind a tiny player base and overwhelmingly negative reviews. The game was widely considered a complete flop.

So why the continued updates? Ryan Ellis, former Firewalk Studios Game Director, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach, in the game's shutdown announcement. This has fueled speculation of a potential relaunch, possibly as a free-to-play title. Removing the initial purchase barrier is a widely discussed possibility.

Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—makes an attempt to salvage the project understandable. The updates suggest Firewalk Studios might be rebuilding the game, adding new features and addressing criticisms such as lackluster characters and uninspired gameplay.

Confirmation remains elusive. Sony remains silent on Concord's future. Will it return with refined mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization strategy? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony possess the answer. However, even a free-to-play model faces an uphill battle in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord remains unavailable, and Sony offers no official statement. Whether Concord will rise from the ashes remains uncertain. Time will reveal the outcome of this intriguing situation.