The recent launch of the multiplayer shooter Concord from Firewalk Studios has been met with disappointing sales, reportedly moving only 25,000 copies since its release earlier this month. Market analysis suggests that the game sold around 10,000 units on Steam and 15,000 units on PlayStation by the end of August.
Concord’s poor performance is underscored by its peak of just 697 concurrent players on Steam and its absence from the top 100 selling games on PlayStation. Analysts indicate that fewer than 0.2% of active PS5 users engaged with the game shortly after its launch, pointing to significant challenges facing Concord in the competitive gaming market.
Several factors contribute to Concord’s struggles, including an ineffective marketing strategy, a higher-than-expected price point of $40 USD, and a lack of unique features that set it apart in a saturated genre. Industry insight suggests that a free-to-play model or inclusion in PlayStation Plus could have bolstered its reception, though analysts warn that the damage to its initial launch might be irreparable.
Concord represents the inaugural title from Firewalk, which spent over eight years in development. The lead designer expressed hope that players would embrace the game’s depth and humanity, emphasizing the team’s commitment to long-term support for the title.
In the broader context, Sony has shifted its strategy, originally planning to release ten live-service games by 2026 but revising that goal to focus on quality over quantity. This shift included the recent cancellation of ambitious projects like Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Online.
Looking forward, the first season of Concord, titled The Tempest, will launch in October, introducing new characters, maps, and rewards, along with a series of cinematic narratives. Subsequent seasons are planned for January and April, offering further opportunities for engagement with the game.
