Sony Announces Server Shutdown and Refunds for "Concord" After Disappointing Two-Week Sales Forecast of Only 25,000 Units

On August 23, Sony officially released the 3A online shooter game Concord, only to face an unexpected cold reception. The game's peak concurrent player count on Steam topped at just 2,388 players, a dire number for a major release.

While Sony has not released detailed data for the PS5 version, it's estimated that the online player count is similarly dismal. Analysts predict the game has sold only about 25,000 units so far, far below Sony and Firewalk's expectations.

Sony acquired the game studio Firewalk in 2018 and assisted in the development and publishing of Concord, showing strong belief in the game by backing it financially to support its development.

The future of the game remains unclear. Sony might consider reducing its $40 price tag or switch to a free-to-play model with added value services to attract users, as the current low player count is preventing normal gameplay for others.

This situation could lead to significant losses for Sony, as Concord has already required a substantial investment for its development and launch. The company's confidence has been notably shaken, likely impacting Sony's future endeavors in launching online real-time games.

Finally, Sony has scheduled to shut down the game servers for Concord on September 6, 2024. Players who purchased the game through Steam or the EPIC store will automatically receive a refund. Those who bought the game from retail stores will need to contact the retailer for a refund.