Sony's new multiplayer shooter, Concord, has reportedly sold only an estimated 25,000 units since its launch on August 23, 2024. Analysts blame this lack of success on poor marketing efforts, a high price point of $40, and a saturated market dominated by well-established titles like Overwatch and Apex Legends. Concord launched with disappointingly low concurrent player numbers on Steam, peaking at just 697. Its failure highlights the challenges faced by live-service games and serves as a cautionary tale for major developers aiming to capitalize on popular genres without sufficient promotion and differentiation.
Why is Concord struggling in sales so dramatically?The game's struggles can be attributed to poor marketing, an overly high price tag for a multiplayer shooter, and intense competition within the genre that already features compelling free-to-play options.
Concord, developed by Firewalk Studios and released for PS5 and PC, was anticipated as a high-profile title due to Sony's backing. Unfortunately, despite its production quality, it encountered market struggles reminiscent of previous live-service failures, such as BioWare's Anthem. As the gaming landscape becomes increasingly crowded, new entrants face uphill battles, particularly when lacking unique gameplay elements to attract players away from established favorites.
Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
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Comments
It's a tough break for Concord, especially with the multiplayer shooter market being so saturated right now. Without standout features and solid marketing, even a game backed by Sony can struggle to get noticed—just goes to show how brutal this industry can be
It’s always a bummer to see a high-profile game like Concord struggle right out of the gate, especially when it has the backing of a major company like Sony. This just goes to show that even with a polished product, if you don’t market it right or carve out a unique niche, it can get lost in the shuffle of the crowded multiplayer space.
It's tough to see a game like Concord flop, especially with Sony's backing, but it really shows how crucial effective marketing and unique gameplay are in today's crowded market. With so many free-to-play juggernauts out there, it’s hard for priced titles to break through without something truly special to hook players.