Concord has emerged as one of PlayStation’s most notable failures in recent years. In light of this, Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, assured that the company has learned from past mistakes. While Sony has a reputation for successful single-player titles like The Last of Us and God of War, it has recently shifted its focus toward live-service games, despite the setbacks with Concord.
The company remains optimistic about the future of its live service endeavors. The hero shooter Concord struggled to make a lasting impression on gamers and was short-lived, shutting down just a month after its release on September 6, 2024. The closure of its developer, Firewalk Studios, soon followed.
Hulst offered some clarity on the game’s downfall during a Q&A with investors. He noted that the game entered a fiercely competitive market without sufficient differentiation from other titles. This sentiment aligns with the feedback from players who found Concord bland and lacking in innovation.
According to Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, Concord fell short of adding unique value to the genre, which is essential for any game hoping to stand out in a crowded landscape. Despite these challenges, PlayStation is committed to its live-service strategy, with multiple titles underway. Hulst emphasized the company’s reflection on its approach post-Concord, reassuring investors that “we’re not gonna make the same mistakes again.”
While he was not specific about the changes, he highlighted an intensified vetting process for new opportunities. He pointed to Helldivers 2 as a successful example of the genre, noting that its player count surged following recent updates. Concerns also linger around Bungie’s upcoming title, Marathon, with some fans dubbing it “Concord 2.0.”
Early tests have yielded mixed reviews, but Hulst stated the company is actively monitoring feedback and utilizing it to improve the game. The fate of Marathon and future PlayStation live-service projects remains uncertain, but the leadership appears confident in implementing a refined strategy.