In a surprising turn of events, Concord, a new title from Firewalk Studios, has announced it will be going offline just 11 days after its launch to "explore options" aimed at better engaging players. This swift decline is particularly striking given the game’s initial peak of 697 concurrent players on Steam, which has since dwindled to a mere 56. Such a rapid descent raises questions about the game’s viability, especially considering the financial backing from Sony, which acquired Firewalk Studios last April. Despite the studio’s roster of industry veterans, including those with experience from Bungie’s Destiny 2, Concord’s performance has been underwhelming. The lack of marketing support and a gameplay experience that failed to resonate with audiences have been cited as contributing factors to its disappointing reception.
Is the Live Service Model the Problem?
While some may view Concord’s failure as a warning sign for the live service model, a closer examination of the current gaming landscape reveals a more nuanced picture. Established titles like Apex Legends and Rainbow Six Siege continue to thrive, demonstrating that the live service model can still succeed. However, the challenge remains: convincing players to shift their attention from their current ‘forever’ games to new offerings. The online PvP shooter genre, in particular, is fiercely competitive, making it increasingly difficult for newcomers to carve out a space in players’ crowded schedules.
As the gaming community reflects on Concord’s abrupt exit, attention turns to Marathon, another title from Bungie that has yet to prove itself. Initially revealed in May 2023, Marathon has undergone significant changes, now positioned as an extraction shooter where players compete for survival and riches in evolving environments. However, the absence of a single-player campaign and the recent upheaval within Bungie raise concerns about the game’s future.
- Marathon’s game director was replaced in March 2024, with Joe Ziegler, formerly of Valorant, stepping in.
- Christopher Barrett, the previous director, departed amid controversy, further complicating the game’s development.
- Recent layoffs at Bungie, including a significant reduction in workforce, have cast a shadow over team morale and project stability.
- Delays in both Marathon and Destiny 2’s expansions have heightened scrutiny on Bungie’s ability to deliver.
Reports indicate that the sentiment surrounding Marathon is less than optimistic, with some developers expressing doubts about meeting the current release timeline. The potential for Sony to intervene in Bungie’s operations if financial targets are not met adds another layer of pressure. The specter of Concord’s failure looms large, leaving many to wonder how it will impact the trajectory of Marathon.
The Pandemic Effect
Even if Marathon manages to launch successfully next year, questions remain about whether it can attract the player base necessary for success. The extraction shooter genre has seen growth, particularly during the pandemic, when player engagement surged. However, the current landscape is different, with established titles dominating the market. Moreover, the existing Destiny 2 fanbase, which could have been a natural audience for Marathon, has expressed dissatisfaction over perceived resource allocation away from their beloved game.
This discontent among players, coupled with the challenges of launching a new live service title in a saturated market, complicates the outlook for Marathon. While Bungie has a history of thriving under pressure, the stakes are higher than ever. If I were in Sony’s position, the recent developments surrounding Concord would certainly prompt a reevaluation of strategies moving forward.
