In a tragic turn of events, Sony has made the somber announcement that it will be bidding farewell to “Concord” and shutting down its development studio, Firewalk Studios. The decision comes on the heels of a disastrous launch that saw the game being taken offline a mere two weeks after its release.
The closure of Firewalk Studios and mobile developer Neon Koi marks a strategic move by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) to fortify its Studio Business. The termination of these two studios, both acquired by Sony in recent years, signals a shift in the gaming landscape.
Despite having commendable qualities, “Concord” failed to meet expectations and fell short in the competitive PvP first-person shooter arena dominated by giants like “Overwatch 2.” Sony’s CEO Hermen Hulst acknowledged the shortcomings of the game but emphasized the invaluable lessons that will be carried forward to future projects.
Firewalk Studios bid a poignant farewell, reflecting on its journey from a small startup to a full-fledged production house. The studio’s innovative approach to game design, combining elements of different genres, may not have resonated as intended but reaffirmed the importance of pushing boundaries in the gaming industry.
Neon Koi, previously known as Savage Game Studios, had ambitious plans for a groundbreaking mobile action game. However, in line with Sony’s vision, the project will not progress further, aligning the company’s focus on creating games that uphold the standards of PlayStation Studios.
In the wake of these closures, Sony is committed to supporting the affected team members by exploring new opportunities within the organization. While the decisions are undoubtedly difficult, they are deemed essential to reinforce and elevate the company’s structure for future endeavors.
The tale of “Concord” will be remembered for its tumultuous debut on PlayStation 5 and PC, culminating in a premature shutdown due to lackluster reception. Despite initial plans to explore the game’s potential future, the departure of key personnel and the studio’s exploration of new ventures foretold a different fate.
