Firewalk Studios, the esteemed developer behind the PlayStation opus known as Concord, has reportedly bid adieu to its lead director amidst the tumultuous aftermath of the game’s ill-fated launch.
In a report by the venerable scribe Ethan Gach of Kotaku, it was revealed that the esteemed game director, Ryan Ellis, made the somber announcement to the studio’s staff last week, disclosing his decision to step down from his current position and transition into a more supportive role, as per multiple sources privy to the matter.
Ellis, known as the eminent face of the studio, has been prominently featured in all communications issued by PlayStation regarding Concord, including the distressing proclamation that the shooter would be going offline a mere fortnight post-launch. The game was subsequently expunged from online storefronts, with refunds graciously dispensed across all platforms.
A poignant statement released by the studio acknowledged the resonant qualities of the experience for players while also conceding the missteps that marred the initial launch. As one former developer poignantly expressed to Kotaku, “Ryan was an ardent believer in the project and its capacity to foster camaraderie among players. Despite the imperfections that may have dotted the trail of development, his benevolent spirit and unwavering dedication shone bright.”
In the aftermath of Concord’s untimely offline status, the team at Firewalk Studios finds itself in a state of limbo, awaiting news of their collective destiny. Molded by a desire to uncover fresh avenues that could resurrect the game’s appeal among players, uncertainties loom large. While the possibility of a revival lingers, skepticism runs deep among the ranks, prompting many to fortify their professional profiles in preparation for what lies ahead.
In a bid to chart a new course of action, select members of the team have been tasked with conceiving alternative pitches for projects divergent from Firewalk’s erstwhile pursuits. With a workforce numbering between 150 to 170 employees, the studio stands at a crucial crossroads, poised to undergo a transformative phase in its creative odyssey.
Alas, reports from Gach himself on the venerable X platform disclosed a distressing narrative plaguing the company, citing a pervasive “head in the sand mentality” and an environment marred by toxic positivity. Such afflictions are reminiscent of the troubles that befell fellow Sony Interactive Entertainment sibling, Bungie, prior to a sweeping reorganization earlier in the year.
Escaping the annals of ignominy, Concord stands as a testament to the capricious nature of the video game industry. Emerging on PlayStation 5 and PC on a fateful August 20, the game faced an uphill battle in attracting players. A mere seven days post-launch, its player count on Steam dwindled to under 700 concurrent users, a stark contrast to the grand ambitions harbored for its success. According to esteemed analyst Simon Carless, the game garnered a paltry 25,000 unit sales despite a prolonged gestation period spanning nearly eight years. The curtain finally fell on Concord’s digital existence on September 6, marking a poignant concluding chapter in its tumultuous saga.