Despite its swift removal from digital storefronts shortly after launch, Concord continues to receive updates on Steam, sparking considerable speculation among gamers. This article delves into these mysterious updates and the theories surrounding them.
Concord's SteamDB Updates Fuel Speculation: Free-to-Play Resurgence?
Remember Concord, the hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? While officially offline since September 6th, its Steam page has consistently seen updates. SteamDB records over 20 updates since September 29th, attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping," suggesting backend improvements and quality assurance efforts.
Concord's August launch was a high-profile flop. Priced at $40, it struggled to compete with free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. Its short lifespan and overwhelmingly negative reception led Sony to pull the plug and offer refunds.
The ongoing updates, however, hint at a potential revival. Former Firewalk Studios Game Director, Ryan Ellis, hinted at exploring options to better reach players, fueling speculation of a free-to-play relaunch. This would address a major criticism of the original release – its high price point.
Given Sony's reported $400 million investment, attempts to salvage the project aren't surprising. The updates suggest Firewalk Studios might be overhauling the game, potentially adding features and addressing criticisms of underwhelming characters and gameplay.
While Sony remains silent, the possibilities are intriguing: improved mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization strategy. However, even a free-to-play model would face an uphill battle in a saturated market.
Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and its future remains uncertain. Only time will tell if these updates signal a triumphant return or if Concord remains a cautionary tale of a high-budget game launch gone wrong.
