The newly-launched hero shooter Concord was unexpectedly shut down just 11 days after its full release on August 23, 2024. Developed by Firewalk Studios and published by Sony, Concord received backlash from some players who criticized the game for being “too diverse” or “woke.” However, amidst the negativity, the development team received overwhelming support from fans and fellow developers, with many expressing sympathy and encouragement for the studio.
Sony’s acquisition of Firewalk Studios in 2023 was based on confidence in Concord, but the game failed to gain traction, leading to its sudden shutdown. Comparisons have been made to other high-profile games that struggled, like Anthem and Artifact, but few faced such a rapid demise. Despite the disappointment, developers and industry figures, such as Bungie and Blizzard veteran Daryl Nelson, took to social media to praise the efforts of the team and express hope for their recovery.
Some fans remain optimistic, hoping that Concord may return in a retooled form, similar to successful comebacks by other games like For Honor and Cyberpunk 2077. For now, Firewalk Studios is considering its next steps, and design director Josh Hamrick expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support.
Firewalk Studios has yet to announce future plans for Concord, but the team remains hopeful amid the difficult situation.
