Late last week, Sony launched its eagerly-awaited hero shooter, Concord. Despite the anticipation, the game’s Steam concurrent player count has yet to surpass a thousand. This alarmingly low turnout has sparked widespread discussion on social media, earning Concord the unofficial title of the year’s biggest flop.
Social Media Reactions
The disappointing numbers have led to a surge of negative reactions across Reddit, TikTok, and other platforms. Users shared SteamDB concurrency charts, often accompanied by scornful remarks. The collective sentiment suggests that many people feel vindicated, as if their suspicions about out-of-touch executives led to this outcome. The prevailing theme is a sense of justice served against what some perceive as creatively bankrupt decision-makers chasing fleeting trends.
Complexities Behind the Failure
While social media reactions are quick to cast blame, the reasons behind Concord’s poor performance are more complex. The developers at Firewalk Studios, composed largely of ex-Bungie talent, crafted a game true to their expertise. They avoided the often-criticized free-to-play model, showing a commitment to genuine gameplay experiences. Yet, the game’s perceived failure has been attributed moral significance, with some feeling justified in shaming the developers.
They never asked what I wanted.
byu/Photoshops_Penises inmemes
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
A significant part of the public’s gloating appears to stem from a sense of victory over the fear of missing out (FOMO). The poor reception of a $40 game reassures players that they weren’t wrong to be skeptical. In a market saturated with daily releases, the public often clings to this sense of vindication, believing it affirms their own tastes and choices.
Marketing and Identity Crisis
One plausible reason for Concord’s failure is its lack of a compelling fantasy or narrative to attract first-person shooter enthusiasts. Unlike its competitors, which have clear, easily-communicated identities, Concord has struggled to establish a recognizable or appealing figure in the gaming community. Without this connection, it couldn’t draw a large audience, even during its free beta phase.
Conclusion
While it’s too early to write off Concord completely, its post-launch struggles highlight the challenges any new game faces in a highly competitive market. Future updates and potential sales might turn the tide, but only time will reveal whether Concord can capture the elusive gamer interest it desperately needs.