PlayStation VR Exclusive 'Concord' Receives Ongoing Steam Support

Despite its swift demise weeks after launch, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, Concord, continues to receive updates on Steam, sparking considerable speculation among gamers. This article delves into these ongoing updates and explores the potential reasons behind them.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

Free-to-Play Resurgence? Gameplay Overhaul? Theories Abound

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out almost immediately? While officially unavailable since September 6th, its Steam page shows a surprising number of updates.

Since September 29th, SteamDB has logged over 20 updates, originating from accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." The "sonyqae" designation suggests these updates likely focus on backend improvements and quality assurance ("QAE").

Concord's August launch was a significant misstep. Priced at $40, it faced stiff competition from free-to-play juggernauts like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The game's poor reception led to its rapid removal from digital stores and refunds for purchasers. Its low player count and overwhelmingly negative reviews sealed its fate as a commercial failure.

The ongoing updates, however, are puzzling. Ryan Ellis, the former Firewalk Studios Game Director, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including improved player reach, in the game's shutdown announcement. This has fueled speculation of a potential comeback, possibly as a free-to-play title. This shift could address the major criticism leveled at the game's initial paid model.

Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—makes a complete abandonment unlikely. The updates suggest Firewalk Studios may be working on significant overhauls, potentially adding new features and refining gameplay mechanics criticized for their lackluster design and uninspired characters.

While nothing is confirmed, Sony maintains radio silence regarding Concord's future. The possibility of a revamped Concord with improved mechanics, broader appeal, or a different monetization strategy remains open. However, even a free-to-play relaunch would face an uphill battle in a highly competitive market.

For now, Concord remains unavailable, and Sony offers no official statements. Whether Concord will rise from the ashes remains uncertain, a question only time can answer.