If you’re a fan of multiplayer games, you probably heard about Concord, Sony’s latest exclusive for the PS5 and PC. Released on August 23rd, the game was poised to make a splash in the hero-shooter genre, aiming to rival giants like Overwatch and Valorant. However, just under two weeks after its debut, Sony has decided to pull Concord from sale and issue refunds to disappointed gamers.
An Intergalactic Flop for Sony’s Exclusive
When Concord launched, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Sony hoped to surprise the gaming community in a way similar to how Helldivers II captured attention. The game promised a rich galactic lore and strategic gameplay, elements that could have set it apart in a crowded market. Personally, I remember the buzz leading up to the release. Friends and fellow gamers were intrigued by the potential, and early reviews even gave it a respectable 16 out of 20.
Despite these promising aspects, the reality quickly diverged from expectations. Shortly after launch, data revealed that Concord struggled to maintain a substantial player base. According to Steam statistics, the game never saw more than 700 concurrent players, a number that’s disheartening for any multiplayer title. IGN reported that only about 10,000 copies were sold on Steam and 15,000 on PlayStation 5. For a game backed by Sony, these figures are particularly sobering.
Concord Officially Shuts Down Servers and Refunds Players
The situation took a definitive turn when Sony released an official statement announcing the closure of Concord’s servers on September 6th, just days after the initial shutdown announcement. The company expressed gratitude towards the community, acknowledging both the positive feedback and the shortcomings that led to this decision.
“We listened to your feedback since Concord launched on PlayStation 5 and PC,” the statement read. “While many aspects resonated with players, we recognize that other elements and our initial launch did not meet expectations. Therefore, we have decided to shut down the servers and explore other options to better attract players.”
For those who purchased the game, Sony has outlined a straightforward refund process. Purchasers from the PlayStation Store or PlayStation Direct will receive refunds to their original payment methods within 30 to 60 days. Similarly, Steam and Epic Games Store customers will be refunded in the coming days, with confirmations sent directly to each user. Physical copies bought from non-affiliated retailers will need to follow their respective store’s refund policies.
This swift move to refund players underscores the severity of Concord’s underperformance. It’s a reminder of how competitive and unforgiving the gaming industry can be, even for well-backed titles.
What’s Next for Concord?
While Sony hasn’t declared the shutdown of Concord to be permanent, it remains unclear how long the game will be offline or what alternative strategies the company might employ to revive it. The decision to refund players indicates a significant reassessment of the game’s potential, but whether this will lead to a successful relaunch or a complete abandonment of the project is yet to be seen.
For now, the gaming community watches closely, hoping that Sony can turn this setback into a learning opportunity. As one gamer put it, “It’s disappointing to see Concord go so quickly, but I appreciate Sony’s transparency and their effort to make things right for the players.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, not every title can be a hit. Concord’s brief journey serves as a case study in the challenges of launching a new multiplayer experience in a saturated market. Whether it will make a comeback or fade into obscurity, only time will tell.