# Sony Closes Concord and Firewalk Studios: A Regrettable Departure from an Enthusiastic Endeavor
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has formally ended the journey of *Concord*, a much-anticipated PvP first-person shooter crafted by Firewalk Studios. Initially unveiled as a flagship title for the PlayStation 5, *Concord* was anticipated to leave a significant mark in the competitive shooter arena. Nevertheless, the game encountered formidable hurdles from the very beginning, and within just a few days post-launch, Sony opted to take down the servers and issue refunds for all purchases. This unexpected decision highlights the challenges that even industry leaders like Sony face in the increasingly saturated and competitive live-service gaming environment.
## The Ascent and Decline of *Concord*
*Concord* was intended to be a live-service PvP shooter, a genre that has witnessed remarkable expansion in recent years. Titles such as *Fortnite*, *Call of Duty: Warzone*, and *Apex Legends* have established high benchmarks for both gameplay quality and player engagement. Regrettably, *Concord* struggled to establish a foothold in this highly competitive landscape. In spite of the lofty anticipations surrounding the initiative, the game was unable to secure a consistent and enduring player base, which contributed to its swift downfall.
Sony’s choice to discontinue *Concord* took many by surprise. The company had poured considerable resources into the venture, and Firewalk Studios had set ambitious aspirations for the game. However, Hermen Hulst, CEO of PlayStation Studios, explained that the game consistently fell short of internal development milestones, and attempts to revive it ultimately proved futile. Hulst recognized that while Sony appreciates the talent within Firewalk Studios, the failure of *Concord* exemplifies the immense pressure on developers to meet the demanding standards of the live-service market.
## The Difficulties of the Live-Service Market
The live-service model has emerged as a dominant force within the gaming industry, providing continual updates, seasonal content, and in-game purchases to sustain player engagement over extended periods. Nonetheless, this model poses considerable challenges. Games must launch not only with a robust player base but also sustain that interest through regular content releases, community engagement, and technical reliability.
For *Concord*, the competition was daunting. Long-established titles like *Valorant*, *Overwatch 2*, and *Destiny 2* have already captivated millions of players, leaving limited opportunities for newcomers. The packed marketplace, coupled with players’ high expectations, made it tough for *Concord* to find its footing. Sony’s choice to refund players and shut down the servers shortly after launch indicates that the game was unable to fulfill these expectations from the outset.
## The Consequences for Firewalk Studios
The termination of *Concord* represents a considerable blow for Firewalk Studios. The studio, which aimed to develop an innovative PvP shooter, now faces an uncertain path ahead. While Sony has indicated its intent to provide alternative positions within the company for the developers involved, the failure of *Concord* is a harsh setback for the team.
Firewalk Studios was among several independent developers that Sony had partnered with in recent years as part of its strategy to enhance its exclusive game offerings. The studio’s specialization in multiplayer gaming made it a valuable ally for Sony; however, the rapid collapse of *Concord* underscores the inherent risks associated with creating live-service titles.
## Sony’s Wider Strategic Evolution: Implications for the Mobile Sector
The closure of *Concord* and the reorganization of Firewalk Studios are indicative of a broader strategic transformation at Sony. Beyond winding down Firewalk’s operations, Sony has also enacted substantial alterations to its mobile gaming division. Neon Koi, formerly known as Savage Game Studios, has been affected by these shifts. Acquired by Sony in 2022, Neon Koi was initially aimed at strengthening the PlayStation Mobile division. However, Sony has now opted to cease support for the studio and its ongoing projects.
This decision reflects a reevaluation of Sony’s mobile gaming strategy. Instead of pursuing a wide array of mobile titles, Sony now intends to concentrate on games that align more closely with the core principles of PlayStation Studios. This transformation suggests that Sony aims to leverage its well-established brands and intellectual properties to create mobile games that resonate with its existing fanbase, rather than striving to compete directly against mobile gaming powerhouses like Tencent and NetEase.
## The Future of Sony’s Live-Service and Mobile Approach
Sony’s recent choices mirror the difficulties it encounters in navigating the swiftly changing gaming terrain. The live-service model, while profitable, necessitates considerable investment in both development and post-launch assistance. The downfall of *Concord* emphasizes the complexities of entering this field, even for a company with Sony’s extensive resources and expertise.
Simultaneously, Sony’s restructuring of its mobile division indicates that the company is reassessing its strategy regarding the mobile gaming market. Rather than taking a scattergun approach, Sony is likely looking to sharpen its focus and harness its recognized brands for more targeted mobile gaming efforts.