Concord's Brief Encounter: Game Removed After Underwhelming Launch

In the aftermath of its recent launch, Concord is facing an unexpected setback, leading to its temporary removal from all platforms less than two weeks after its debut. Initial sales figures suggested a disappointing reception, with approximately 25,000 units sold within the first week. This alarming trend prompted a candid acknowledgment from both Sony and Firewalk Studios regarding the game's underperformance.

In a recent update shared on the PlayStation Blog, game director Ryan Ellis expressed gratitude to the community that has supported Concord on PlayStation 5 and PC. He emphasized the importance of player feedback and the community’s passion, which he considered invaluable. However, he admitted that while certain elements of Concord resonated well with players, others fell short of expectations. Consequently, the resolution to commence the game's offline status has been determined September 6, 2024, to evaluate alternatives for better aligning with player desires.

This decision signals a critical juncture for Concord, raising questions about whether this shutdown will be permanent or temporary. Given that the game has only been available for a brief period, this scenario is being viewed as a significant misstep, potentially marking the end of this live-service effort.

For those few players who purchased Concord and are contemplating the implications of this situation, full refunds are being processed. Players who made their purchase via the PlayStation Store or directly will have their funds returned to their original accounts. Steam users will receive confirmation of their refunds in the upcoming days, while the same refund process will be available for Epic Games Store users. Other retailers have their own procedures in place for reimbursement.

However, it's worth noting that players who hope for a future return of Concord may want to refrain from requesting a refund, as doing so will result in losing access to the game entirely.

The blog concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed while expressing gratitude to the players who joined the journey in the Concord universe.

Farewell to Concord: August 23, 2024 - September 3, 2024.