Despite its swift removal from digital storefronts weeks after launch, Sony's ill-fated hero shooter, Concord, continues to receive updates on Steam. This unexpected activity has sparked considerable speculation among gamers.

Concord's SteamDB Update Mystery

Free-to-Play Resurgence? Gameplay Overhaul? Theories Abound

Remember Concord? The hero shooter that fizzled out faster than a damp squib? While officially offline since September 6th, its Steam page shows a steady stream of updates.

Since September 29th, SteamDB logs indicate over 20 updates, originating from accounts like "pmtest," "sonyqae," and "sonyqae_shipping." These account names suggest a focus on backend improvements and quality assurance ("QAE" likely stands for "Quality Assurance Engineer").

Concord's August launch aimed to disrupt the hero shooter market with a $40 price tag – a daring move against free-to-play giants like Overwatch, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The launch, however, was catastrophic. Within two weeks, Sony pulled the plug, offering refunds. Low player counts and lack of interest sealed its fate, resulting in overwhelmingly negative reviews.

So why the continued updates for a seemingly dead game? Ryan Ellis, then-Game Director at Firewalk Studios, hinted at exploring alternative options in the shutdown announcement, including strategies to better reach players. This has fueled rumors of a potential comeback, possibly as a free-to-play title. Removing the initial price barrier could address a major point of criticism.

Sony's substantial investment – reportedly up to $400 million – makes a salvage attempt plausible. The ongoing updates suggest Firewalk Studios might be overhauling the game, adding features and addressing criticisms like weak character design and uninspired gameplay.

Confirmation remains elusive. Sony has maintained radio silence. Will Concord return with refined mechanics, broader appeal, or a revamped monetization model? Only Firewalk Studios and Sony know. Even as a free-to-play title, it faces a tough battle in a saturated market.

Currently, Concord is unavailable, and Sony offers no official pronouncements. Whether it rises from its ashes remains to be seen.