Sony's PlayStation Vita Hits Steam

Despite a swift demise after its release, Sony's Concord continues to receive updates on Steam, sparking considerable speculation among gamers. This article explores the ongoing updates and the various theories surrounding their purpose.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

Free-to-Play Resurgence? Gameplay Overhaul? Theories Abound

Remember Concord, the hero shooter that fizzled out almost immediately? While officially offline since September 6th, its Steam page shows a consistent stream of updates.

Since September 29th, SteamDB logs over 20 updates, originating from accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." These account names suggest a focus on backend improvements and quality assurance ("QAE").

Concord's August launch was met with widespread disappointment. Its $40 price point, directly competing with free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends, proved a significant hurdle. The game's poor reception led to its rapid withdrawal from stores and refunds for players. It was widely considered a commercial failure.

The continued updates, however, hint at a potential comeback. Firewalk Studios' Game Director, Ryan Ellis, alluded to exploring options for better player reach upon the game's closure. Many believe these updates signal a possible relaunch, potentially as a free-to-play title. This would address a key criticism of the original release.

Given Sony's substantial investment—reportedly up to $400 million—attempts to salvage the project are understandable. Speculation suggests Firewalk Studios is using this time to revamp the game, adding new features and addressing criticisms regarding uninspired gameplay and lackluster character design.

While Sony maintains silence on Concord's future, the possibilities are intriguing. Could it return with refined mechanics, broader appeal, or a revised monetization strategy? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony possess the answers. Even a free-to-play relaunch, however, faces a challenging uphill battle in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord remains unavailable. Until Sony makes an official announcement, the future of this once-promising title remains uncertain. Only time will reveal whether Concord can overcome its disastrous launch and rise again.