In a stunning turn of events, Sony's highly anticipated multiplayer game Concord has become one of the company's most costly missteps in recent memory. The game, which was shut down and removed from sale just two weeks after launch, reportedly cost a staggering $400 million to develop and market.
A Future That Never Was
Internally hyped as the future of PlayStation, Concord aimed to be a premium entry in the crowded hero shooter market. However, the game's development was plagued by issues from the start:
- A culture of toxic positivity stifled critical feedback
- The game reached alpha stage in late 2023, already costing over $200 million
- By early 2024, the unfinished state led Sony to outsource development to other studios
The Aftermath
The fallout from Concord's failure has been swift and severe:
- Game director Ryan Ellis has stepped down from his position
- Firewalk Studios staff are updating resumes and some have already left
- The game's future remains uncertain, with developers pessimistic about a revival
Financial Impact
The financial toll on Sony has been significant:
- Total development costs reached approximately $400 million
- Launch revenues were a mere $1 million before refunds were issued
- This makes Concord more expensive than successful titles like The Last of Us Part 2 and Spider-Man
Looking Ahead
As Sony grapples with this setback, questions remain about the company's approach to game development and the future of its first-party studios. The Concord debacle serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of over-hyping projects and the importance of maintaining a realistic development environment.
For now, both fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how Sony rebounds from this costly misadventure in the competitive world of online multiplayer gaming.