PlayStation 5 and Sony's Shocking Closure of Concord Studio

PS5 and 'Concord' - A Sad Farewell

Sony Interactive Studios is swinging the axe with a ferocity even God of War's Kratos would have trouble matching. The video game company announced plans to shut down two internal studios and to permanently sunset Concord, the online multiplayer shooter it took offline after less than two weeks in September.

It’s a brutal end to a game and game studio the company supported for nearly a decade, potentially resulting in a markdown of well over $100 million. “We have spent considerable time these past few months exploring all our options,” wrote Hermen Hulst, CEO of the Studio Business Group at Sony Interactive Entertainment.

The End of an Era for Firewalk

Firewalk reportedly spent **eight years** developing Concord, well above the typical time frame for creating a game. Sony had high hopes for the franchise, employing roughly 150 people, including veterans of game companies like Bungie and Activision.

• This closure reflects a broader trend in the gaming market.
• Firewalk attempted to innovate in the multiplayer space amid a pandemic.
• Hulst remarked that the PvP first-person shooter genre remains fiercely competitive.

Challenges Facing Sony and the Video Game Industry

While mobile remains a priority growth area, Sony is redirecting resources to strengthen the PlayStation brand. The fate of Concord illustrates the bigger picture for Sony Interactive. As the industry evolves, Sony's need to innovate in the live-services game market is undeniable.

Industry analysis indicates a sluggish growth forecast for 2024. As Concord joins the list of canceled projects, Sony aims to shift strategies based on lessons learned and meet future gaming demands.