Despite its swift demise weeks after launch, Sony's hero shooter, Concord, continues to receive updates on Steam, sparking considerable speculation among gamers. This article explores these mysterious updates and the potential scenarios they suggest.

Concord's SteamDB Updates Fuel Speculation: Free-to-Play Resurgence?

A Free-to-Play Transformation or Gameplay Overhaul? The Possibilities Abound

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? Despite its official delisting on September 6th, its Steam page shows a steady stream of updates.

Since September 29th, SteamDB has logged over 20 updates, attributed to accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." These account names hint at backend adjustments and improvements, with "QAE" possibly indicating "Quality Assurance Engineer."

Concord's August launch aimed for a significant impact in the hero shooter market, demanding a $40 price tag – a risky move against free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The launch was disastrous; within two weeks, Sony pulled the plug and issued refunds. Low player counts and near-zero interest sealed its fate, earning it "dead on arrival" status from most critics.

So, why the ongoing updates for a seemingly defunct game? Ryan Ellis, then-Game Director at Firewalk Studios, hinted at exploring alternative strategies, including those better suited to player reach, in the game's shutdown announcement. This fuels speculation about a potential Concord comeback. Many believe these updates signal a possible relaunch, likely as a free-to-play title to overcome the price barrier that hindered its initial success.

Sony's substantial investment – reportedly up to $400 million – makes an attempt to salvage the project unsurprising. The ongoing updates suggest Firewalk Studios might be overhauling the game, adding new features and addressing previous criticisms, such as lackluster characters and uninspired gameplay.

However, this remains unconfirmed. Sony's silence regarding Concord's future leaves much to the imagination. Will it return with refined mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization model? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony possess the answers. Even as a free-to-play title, Concord would face a fierce battle for attention in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable for purchase, and Sony has yet to make any official announcements. Only time will reveal if these speculations hold true, or if Concord will ever rise from the ashes of its initial failure.