Concord’s Imminent Shutdown Elicits “Infinite Love” from Developers and Support from Gaming Luminaries
In an industry where success and failure often lie on a knife-edge, the recent announcement from PlayStation to discontinue its fledgling hero shooter, Concord, has elicited a mix of mourning and solidarity within the gaming community. Despite its brief foray into the public domain, lasting merely a fortnight with disappointing player metrics, the decision to take Concord off the servers has sparked a poignant response from its creators at Firewalk Studios, as well as from eminent figures across the gaming landscape.
As Firewalk Studios grapples with the future, the team shares heartfelt farewells to their labor of love. Josh Hamrick, the design director, expressed his gratitude to the players who stood by Concord, “To everyone who joined us, whether as allies or adversaries, your support meant the world to us. Infinite love to all of you. Let’s enjoy every moment until the very end.”
Despite the hurdles of acquisitions, a global pandemic, and a transition between major game engines, the team’s lead character designer, Jon Weisnewski, reflected on the studio’s resilience, “The obstacles we’ve overcome to bring Concord to life are monumental. This team’s spirit is indomitable.” Hugh Chew, a senior artist at PlayStation Visual Arts Team, shared a sentiment of pride over their achievements, showcasing collector’s edition memorabilia of Concord as a memento of their journey.
Sympathy and encouragement also flowed from veterans of the industry, echoing the sentiment that the sunsetting of a game is a shared agony, yet not the end of the road. Dinga Bakaba, known for his work on Marvel’s Blade and Deathloop, offered words of comfort, “To the team behind Concord, hold your heads high. Tough times are but temporary.” Echoing the sentiment of many industry stalwarts, Cliff Bleszinski, the mind behind Gears of War and the similarly fate-stricken Lawbreakers, shared a simple yet powerful message: “Concord, your pain is felt.”
In a beacon of hope, Liana Ruppert, with experiences from Destiny 2 to the upcoming Amazon Fallout project, reminded the devastated team of possible resurgence paths inspired by past recoveries within the industry. Citing the resurgence stories of No Man’s Sky, Elder Scrolls Online, and Rainbow Six Siege, Ruppert highlighted the potential for Concord, “History shows us that it’s too early to call it the end. With strategic moves and robust support, Concord has the potential to make a triumphant return, bringing joy to both players and developers.”
The closure of Concord serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of game development and the incalculable value of community and industry support during such trials. As Firewalk Studios and the community that has rallied behind Concord look ahead, the narrative of the game’s development, brief existence, and the solidarity it has engendered remains a testament to the passion and resilience that define the gaming industry.
