Sony's upcoming hero shooter Concord is generating mixed reactions as it prepares for its August 23rd launch. While early gameplay impressions have been largely positive, the game's $40 price point is raising eyebrows in an increasingly free-to-play dominated market.
Gameplay and Visuals Impress
Concord, first announced during a 2023 PlayStation Showcase, has received praise for its gameplay and unique '70s sci-fi inspired character designs. The game's PC specifications have also been revealed, showcasing relatively modest requirements:
- Minimum (1080p/60FPS): Intel i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5500 XT
- Recommended (1080p/60FPS): Same CPU, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super or AMD RX 5700 XT
- Ultra (60FPS): Intel i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 4070Ti or AMD RX 7900 XT
The game's 30GB install size is notably smaller than many modern titles, potentially appealing to storage-conscious gamers.
Price Point Concerns
Despite positive gameplay feedback, Concord's $40 price tag is emerging as a potential stumbling block. The hero shooter genre is dominated by free-to-play titles like Apex Legends, Valorant, and the recently converted Overwatch 2. Even upcoming releases like Marvel Rivals are adopting the free-to-play model.
Industry analysts point out the challenges of breaking into an established market with a new IP, especially when asking players to pay upfront. While Sony's Helldivers 2 found success at a similar price point, the hero shooter landscape may prove less forgiving.
Implications for Sony's Multiplayer Strategy
Concord's performance could have broader implications for Sony's multiplayer ambitions. The reception and sales of this title may influence decisions surrounding other upcoming projects, such as the Bungie-led Marathon reboot.
As the August 23rd launch approaches, all eyes will be on Concord to see if its gameplay and visual appeal can overcome the pricing hurdle in a fiercely competitive market.