In a surprising turn of events, the Steam version of Concord, Sony’s live-service, multiplayer hero-shooter game, continues to receive updates despite ceasing operations over a month ago. This development has sparked speculation about a potential resurgence for the beleaguered title.
A Troubled Launch
Initially unveiled by Sony earlier this year, Concord’s announcement was met with lukewarm reception from gamers, who had grown accustomed to the company’s critically acclaimed, story-driven single-player titles. The live-service, multiplayer-focused hero-shooter genre seemed out of character for Sony, leaving many fans underwhelmed. Concord’s character designs faced intense community criticism, and its $40 premium launch was widely rejected by PlayStation enthusiasts.
Poor Reception and Closure
The reception was even chillier on PC, with Steam users overwhelmingly dismissing the game; its highest concurrent player count barely scraped 700 players. In a swift reversal, Sony announced Concord’s closure mere weeks post-launch, yet left room for a potential future revival.
New Evidence Fuels Revival Speculation
A keen-eyed Reddit user, theonewithcats, discovered that Concord’s Steam files are still receiving updates, with the most recent patch dated October 8. The purpose of these post-mortem updates remains a mystery, but speculation is rampant. Fans are now theorizing that the developers might be transforming Concord into a free-to-play model, potentially breathing new life into the title.
Challenges Ahead
A potential transition to free-to-play could significantly boost Concord’s player base, but the game still faces an arduous road to recovery. Adopting a free-to-play model won’t automatically redeem Concord’s widely criticized character designs, which were a major turn-off for many players. Addressing these core issues will be crucial to the game’s long-term viability.
Past Performance Casts Doubt
PC gamers had an early opportunity to test Concord during its free beta phase, yet interest was decidedly lukewarm. The beta’s peak concurrent player count on Steam barely reached 2,388, a modest showing. However, this still eclipses the game’s post-launch numbers as a premium title.
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PSN Account Requirement a Major Hurdle
Concord’s potential revival on Steam as a free-to-play title faces a significant obstacle: the mandatory PSN account linkage. This requirement has sparked widespread discontent among Steam users, triggering review bombing and boycotts of Sony’s games. Even if Concord adopts a fully free-to-play model, the PSN account requirement may continue to deter Steam users, casting a shadow over the game’s chances of success.
