Concord

A FemTwit game which lives shorter than the tadpoles. (Pronouns: Has/Failed, Was/Were, Never/There)

English Translation of the Thai Article

Concord Shuts Down Abruptly After Just 14 Days!

In a surprising announcement, PlayStation and Firewalk Studios have decided to shut down the recently launched space-based FPS game, Concord, effective September 6th.

Players who purchased the game on any platform will be eligible for a full refund. Digital purchases made through PlayStation Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store will be automatically refunded to the original payment method, while physical copies can be returned to the retailer for a refund.

Concord’s closure marks one of the fastest shutdowns of an online game, lasting only 14 days from its initial release on August 23rd. Prior to the closure, industry analysts had predicted the game's failure, estimating sales of only around 25,000 copies.

New Article: Concord's Meteoric Rise and Fall

A Short-Lived Space Odyssey

The gaming world was stunned by the sudden announcement of Concord's closure. The space-based first-person shooter, developed by Firewalk Studios and published by PlayStation, failed to capture the attention of gamers worldwide, lasting a mere 14 days from its launch on August 23rd.

What Went Wrong?

Several factors likely contributed to Concord's rapid demise:

• Lackluster Player Base: Industry analysts had predicted low sales for Concord, and the game's performance seems to have aligned with these forecasts. Reports suggest that the game struggled to attract a significant player base, with peak concurrent player numbers hovering around 500 in the weeks leading up to its closure.
• High Server Costs: Maintaining online gaming servers can be expensive, especially for a game that failed to attract a large and dedicated player base. The ongoing costs of running Concord's servers likely became unsustainable for PlayStation and Firewalk Studios.
• Investor Pressure: With only 25,000 copies sold, it's reasonable to assume that the financial backers of Concord, including PlayStation, faced significant pressure to cut their losses. Continuing to invest in a game that showed little promise of financial success would have been a risky gamble.

A Costly Venture

The decision to shut down Concord was undoubtedly a difficult one for PlayStation and Firewalk Studios. The development and marketing of a new video game is a costly endeavor, and the failure of Concord represents a significant financial loss. However, by closing the game and offering refunds to players, the companies have likely mitigated some of the potential damage to their reputations.

Concord's rapid demise serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by game developers in today's highly competitive market. Even with the backing of a major publisher like PlayStation, it can be difficult to create a successful online game that resonates with players.

Eight-Year Odyssey: A Costly Misadventure

The demise of Concord, after a development period spanning eight years and an estimated cost of over $100 million, is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the video game industry. While the game's creators undoubtedly poured their hearts and souls into the project, the final result failed to resonate with players.

The contrast between Concord's failure and the enduring success of Minecraft servers is particularly striking. Consider, for example, the Minecraft SMP server that has been running since 2013. Despite its modest budget, this server has managed to maintain a dedicated community and thrive for over a decade.

The disparity between these two projects highlights the importance of market research, player feedback, and a focus on core gameplay mechanics. While Concord may have been a passion project for its developers, it ultimately failed to deliver a compelling and engaging experience for players.

The closure of Concord serves as a cautionary tale for the video game industry. It underscores the need for careful planning, rigorous testing, and a willingness to adapt to player feedback. Investing millions of dollars in a game that fails to connect with its target audience is a costly mistake that can have long-lasting consequences.

In conclusion, the Concord debacle is a stark reminder that even with significant resources and talent, creating a successful video game is no easy feat. While the reasons for Concord's failure are complex, it is clear that the project fell short of expectations, resulting in a costly and disappointing outcome.

Concord vs. CalifrogMC: A Tale of Two Gaming Worlds

Concord, the ill-fated space shooter, and CalifrogMC, a long-running Minecraft server, offer a stark contrast in the world of gaming development. While Concord's demise can be attributed to a combination of factors, including high development costs and a lack of player engagement, CalifrogMC's enduring success can be partially attributed to its frugal approach and inclusive community.

Concord: A DEI Disaster

One of the notable aspects of Concord's development was its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While these are laudable goals, the execution of DEI initiatives in Concord seems to have backfired. The game's focus on social justice themes and inclusive representation may have alienated some players, leading to negative reception and a decline in interest.

The "go woke, go broke" narrative, popularized in recent years, suggests that businesses that prioritize social and political causes may suffer financially. Whether this is true in all cases is debatable, but Concord's failure certainly provides fodder for those who subscribe to this belief.

CalifrogMC: A Frugal and Inclusive Approach

In contrast, CalifrogMC has thrived on a more minimalist approach. The server's owners have been careful to minimize costs and maximize value for players. One of their most notable strategies has been to accommodate both premium and cracked Minecraft accounts. This inclusive policy has helped to attract a diverse player base and foster a sense of community.

While CalifrogMC may not have the same level of polish or resources as a major commercial game like Concord, its focus on inclusivity and player-driven content has helped it to endure. The server's longevity is a testament to the power of community and the importance of listening to players.

Conclusion

The contrasting fortunes of Concord and CalifrogMC highlight the complexities of the gaming industry. While DEI initiatives can be valuable, they must be executed thoughtfully and with a focus on the core gameplay experience. Additionally, a frugal approach and a commitment to building a strong community can go a long way in ensuring the long-term success of a gaming project.