Why Concord Was a Complete Failure in 2024

When Concord was announced, it seemed like Sony had another potential blockbuster on its hands. With a massive budget, an experienced team at Firewalk Studios, and the promise of a fresh hero-shooter, expectations were sky-high. But just two weeks after its release in August 2024, Sony shut the game down, refunded players, and effectively buried the title. So, what went so catastrophically wrong? Let’s break it down—everything from development missteps to cultural challenges.

Overview of Concord’s Development and Release  

Let’s start with how Concord came to be. Firewalk Studios spent eight years crafting this title, supported by a hefty $400 million budget from Sony Interactive Entertainment. The goal? A team-based hero-shooter with a retro-futuristic sci-fi vibe, designed to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Overwatch and Apex Legends. The hype train was in full swing before launch, with sleek trailers showcasing a unique aesthetic and a cast of diverse characters.

The game officially launched on August 23, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and PC. But from day one, problems surfaced. For all its polish, Concord struggled to stand out in a crowded genre. The gameplay felt uninspired, with mechanics that were either too familiar or poorly executed. Technical issues, such as buggy servers and balancing problems, only added to the frustration.

Then there was the pricing. While most hero-shooters are free-to-play, Concord came with a full-price tag. This decision alienated potential players, especially given the lack of compelling features to justify the cost. The result? Low player engagement and overwhelmingly negative reviews. Sony pulled the plug just two weeks later.

Cultural and Social Factors

Now, let’s dive into the cultural aspect of Concord. Firewalk Studios put a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), creating a roster of characters that represented various genders, ethnicities, and cultures. On the surface, this is a fantastic initiative—representation matters, and games have the power to make everyone feel seen and included. But here’s the catch: Concord didn’t execute this vision effectively.

While the characters were visually diverse, they lacked depth. Instead of feeling like fully realized heroes with unique stories, they came across as shallow stereotypes. As one Reddit user put it:

“It’s great to see representation in a major game, but the characters felt like stereotypes rather than fully fleshed-out heroes.”

This kind of feedback highlights a critical point: DEI is about more than appearances. For players to connect with characters, diversity must be integrated into the narrative, gameplay, and world-building in a meaningful way.

Our Thoughts About DEI

Let’s take a step back and talk about DEI(Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in gaming as a whole. Representation is essential—not just for the players who see themselves reflected in a game, but for the broader community. When done well, it can elevate a game’s storytelling, create richer characters, and even build stronger emotional connections between players and the world they’re exploring.

But here’s the tricky part: it has to feel authentic. Players are savvy, and they can tell when diversity is treated as a checklist item rather than a genuine effort to enrich the experience. Games like Overwatch and The Last of Us Part II have shown us how DEI can be seamlessly woven into a game’s DNA. It’s not just about having diverse characters—it’s about giving those characters meaningful roles, backstories, and arcs.

For Concord, the DEI efforts felt more like surface-level decoration. It’s not enough to slap together a diverse cast and call it a day. Players want characters they can connect with on a deeper level—ones who feel like real people, not placeholders.

The takeaway? DEI is a crucial step forward for the gaming industry, but it needs to be approached thoughtfully. It’s about creating characters and stories that resonate, not just ticking boxes.

Lessons from Concord’s Failure

So, why did Concord fail? Here’s a breakdown:

1. Overcrowded Genre: The hero-shooter market is oversaturated. To succeed, a game needs to bring something genuinely innovative. Concord didn’t.
2. Pricing Missteps: Charging full price in a market dominated by free-to-play options was a massive mistake.
3. Gameplay Woes: The mechanics felt uninspired, and technical glitches didn’t help.
4. Mismanaged DEI Efforts: While representation was prioritized, it didn’t translate into engaging characters or meaningful storytelling.
5. Lack of Community Building: Successful games thrive on community-driven engagement. Concord didn’t give players a reason to stay invested.

Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry

Concord’s failure is a cautionary tale for developers and publishers alike. Here’s what we can learn:

• Understand Your Audience: Gamers want innovation, compelling narratives, and polished mechanics. Flashy visuals aren’t enough.
• Price it Right: Free-to-play models dominate for a reason. If you’re charging full price, the game better be exceptional.
• Do DEI Right: Representation is vital, but it has to be authentic and integrated into the game’s core.
• Build for Community: Games thrive when they create spaces where players feel connected and engaged.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Concord had the potential to be something special. With its budget, team, and backing from Sony, it could have been a standout title. But a mix of poor decisions, uninspired gameplay, and shallow execution of its themes led to its downfall.

As gamers, we can only hope the industry learns from this. DEI is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be more than skin-deep. And as for developers, Concord is a reminder that heart, innovation, and community are what truly make a game memorable.

What do you think? Was Concord doomed from the start, or could it have been saved with a different approach? Let’s chat in the comments!

This revised article integrates the “Our Thoughts About DEI” section, aligning it with the requested structure and keeping it conversational and web-friendly.