Sony’s latest hero shooter, Concord, is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PC in August for $40. Unlike many of its competitors, Concord will not include a battle pass system. Instead, Firewalk Studios, the developer behind the game, has opted for a more traditional unlock system based on gameplay progression, completing objectives, and leveling up.
A Shift from the Norm
Firewalk Studios addressed player inquiries from recent closed and open betas on social media, emphasizing that the game will reward players simply for playing. “Concord does not have a battle pass,” the developers stated. “We wanted to focus on making Concord a rewarding and robust experience from day one. Just playing the game, leveling up, and completing jobs will yield meaningful rewards.”
Mark DeRidder, Firewalk Studios’ gameplay animation director, reinforced this approach with a tweet: “No Battle Pass, folks. You own Concord, Concord doesn’t own you.”
Competing in a Crowded Market
Concord is stepping into a highly competitive market, going up against established games like Blizzard’s Overwatch 2, EA’s Apex Legends, and Riot’s Valorant. These games typically follow a free-to-play model with microtransactions and battle passes, making Concord’s $40 all-in pricing model a notable departure.
There is skepticism about Concord’s potential success, especially given the low concurrent player numbers observed during the beta tests on Steam. While PlayStation 5 player numbers remain undisclosed, questions linger about whether the game will meet Sony’s commercial expectations.
Mixed Community Reactions
The gaming community has had varied reactions to Concord. Some players appreciate the absence of a battle pass and the focus on gameplay rewards. One commenter noted, “It’s very strange that people are hoping this game fails when it seems to be doing all the things that people have been begging developers to do.”
However, others are less optimistic. Criticisms range from the game’s characters and gameplay being perceived as unoriginal to concerns about its marketing and presentation. A player expressed, “I will probably never touch it, but they do seem to be doing everything right except for presentation and marketing. Bit sad that it will probably be in maintenance mode this time next year.”
Features and Future Updates
At launch, Concord will feature six 5v5 PvP modes, 12 maps, and hundreds of customization items to unlock. While there won’t be a PvE mode initially, Firewalk Studios has plans to introduce new modes in the future. Post-launch content will include new characters, maps, and weekly cinematic vignettes to expand on the game’s lore and characters.
One issue raised during the beta was the lack of a mid-match leaver penalty and no join-in-progress system, leading to imbalanced teams. Firewalk Studios acknowledged this feedback and is exploring solutions to ensure teams remain complete and evenly matched throughout matches.
Additionally, Concord will launch with a training mode and a Galactic Guide to help players familiarize themselves with the game.
Conclusion
Sony’s Concord aims to carve out a niche in the crowded hero shooter market by offering a unique, battle-pass-free experience. Whether this strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but it certainly sets Concord apart from its competitors. With a dedicated focus on rewarding gameplay and regular content updates, Concord has the potential to attract a loyal player base. Only time will tell if it can overcome the initial skepticism and thrive in the competitive landscape.