In an unforeseen move, the renowned hero shooter, Concord, is being abruptly withdrawn from sale by Sony. The decision, to be implemented imminently, also includes shutting down its servers on the upcoming date, September 6.
An important update on Concord from Firewalk Studios: https://t.co/MxZ1Sxpayu pic.twitter.com/3OcPFDqmDX
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 3, 2024
Firewalk Studios, the creators behind the highly anticipated AA shooter, only launched Concord on August 23. A mere fortnight later, players find themselves confronted with the news of its sudden discontinuation.
Ryan Ellis, the Game Director at Firewalk Studios, came forward with an official statement regarding this shift. The announcement, released on the PlayStation Blog, touched on the next steps for the team in light of this decision.
Ellis communicated in his statement that this step is being taken as a means of re-evaluating and finding the best possible way forward. This unexpected development came as a direct response to feedback received post-launch from the Concord community.
The Game Director expressed gratitude to everyone who became part of the Concord journey on PlayStation 5 and PC. Extending thanks particularly to the committed community of Concord players, Ellis acknowledged their substantial role in this ongoing exploration.
Nevertheless, Ellis conceded that in spite of numerous elements of the game finding favor with the players, other facets fell short of expectations. This candid admission was followed by the disappointing news that the initial launch simply did not meet the standards set by the strategic vision of the team.
As a result, the tough decision to delist the game effective from September 6, 2024, was made. This period will be utilized to investigate possible pathways to enhance the gaming experience, from those currently in use to innovative approaches that could more effectively engage their player base.
Ellis made it clear that during this period of critical evaluation and decision-making, Concord would no longer be available for sale. This includes both the PlayStation 5 and PC versions of the game.
Additionally, Sony is initiating a full refund policy to make good with all gamers who purchased Concord for their PS5 or PC. This move ensures that any financial inconvenience caused by this sudden change is effectively addressed.
Players can expect to see the refund for their Concord purchase appearing in their accounts once the process is carried out. This customer-centric action reaffirms Sony’s and Firewalk Studios’ commitment to their community during this transitional phase.
The moment the refund procedure is completed, players will find that they no longer have the ability to access the game. This further underlines the company’s sincere intent to pull back, reassess, and rework their approach to enhancing the Concord gaming experience.
While this news is undoubtedly a surprise for the gaming community, it also sets an exemplary precedent. It reveals a commitment to listening and responding to user feedback, a factor central to the evolution and improvement of the gaming landscape.
In the realm of gaming, change is constant, and adaptability is key. This event surrounding Concord serves to underscore that sentiment. Despite the temporary disappointment, this scenario may pave the way for an even higher-quality gaming experience in the future.