Sony's live service hero shooter Concord has become a significant disappointment, with the game director Ryan Ellis stepping down just weeks after its launch. Following a troubled debut on August 23, where it only sold around 25,000 copies, Sony announced the game's removal from sale, which led to concerns among Firewalk Studios employees about the studio's future. Despite some staff exploring new game ideas, uncertainty looms over potential layoffs or complete studio closure. This incident raises critical questions regarding Sony's strategy for live service games.

What happened to Concord after its launch?

Concord launched on August 23, 2024, but faced severe backlash, leading to its removal from sale just 11 days later due to poor sales and player counts. The game director stepped down, prompting worries among the studio's staff about the future of Firewalk Studios.

Concord is part of a series of challenges faced by Sony in its gaming division, especially in the live service arena. Sony’s aggressive expansion into live service games has not panned out well, with the company needing to reassess its upcoming titles. The gaming industry continues to evolve, and Sony must adapt to ensure long-term success in this competitive landscape.