Sony has announced the discontinuation of its latest online shooter, Concord, merely two weeks after its launch on August 23, 2024. The decision follows disappointing sales figures, with estimates suggesting only 25,000 copies sold and a peak of just 697 concurrent players on Steam.
Effective September 6, 2024, Concord will be removed from all stores, and players who purchased the game will receive full refunds. This includes those who bought it on PlayStation and PC platforms, with Sony committing to reimburse all purchases made through its digital storefronts.
Despite eight years of development and significant financial investment, the game failed to resonate with audiences, prompting Sony to rethink its strategy regarding live-service games. The company had previously announced plans for twelve live-service titles by 2026 but has since reassessed this goal, now intending to release only six.
Concord's launch has been characterized as a major setback for Sony, especially in a competitive market increasingly skeptical of live-service models. The game faced criticism for its lack of innovation and failure to engage players effectively, raising concerns about the viability of live-service games in the current gaming landscape.