Concord, Sony's Major Flop, Continues to Get Updates on Steam

Despite its swift demise after launch, Concord, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, continues to receive updates on Steam. This unexpected activity has sparked considerable speculation among gamers.

Concord's SteamDB Updates Fuel Speculation: Free-to-Play Resurgence?

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that flopped spectacularly? Despite its official delisting on September 6th, its Steam page shows a steady stream of updates, exceeding 20 since September 29th, according to SteamDB. These updates, attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping," suggest backend improvements and quality assurance efforts.

Concord's August launch, priced at $40, was a significant misstep in a market dominated by free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. Its short lifespan and overwhelmingly negative reception led Sony to pull the game and issue refunds.

The continued updates, however, have ignited speculation. Former Firewalk Studios Game Director, Ryan Ellis, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach. This has fueled rumors of a free-to-play relaunch, potentially addressing the initial criticism of its high price point.

Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—makes a complete abandonment unlikely. The updates could indicate efforts to revamp the game, adding features and addressing criticisms of its characters and gameplay.

While Sony remains silent, the possibility of a retooled Concord with improved mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization model remains open. However, even a free-to-play model faces a challenging uphill battle in the saturated hero shooter market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and its future remains uncertain. Only time will reveal whether these speculations hold true, and if Concord can ever overcome its disastrous launch.