Concerns and Future Directions
The recent developments at Firewalk Studios have stirred conversations within the gaming community, particularly following the departure of Ryan Ellis, the director of the beleaguered hero shooter, Concord. According to reports from Kotaku, Ellis is transitioning to a support role within the studio after the game’s rocky launch in August.
Amidst this leadership shift, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty among the staff at Firewalk. Many employees are expressing concerns about potential layoffs, while others speculate that the studio may pivot to a co-development model, collaborating on various projects under the umbrella of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Reflecting on Ellis’s commitment to Concord, a former developer shared, “Ryan deeply believed in that project and bringing players together through the joy in it. Regardless of there being things that could have been done differently throughout development, he's a good human and full of heart.” This sentiment underscores the passion that drove the team, even as they faced significant challenges.
Concord's launch was met with disappointing sales figures, reportedly moving only 10,000 copies on Steam within its first week. Following this lackluster performance, PlayStation made the decision to remove the game from sale entirely, hinting at the possibility of a future return. This move has left many wondering about the fate of the title and the direction Firewalk Studios will take moving forward.
