In its debut week, the newly launched hero shooter, Concord, has garnered a modest 25,000 sales. According to IGN, which referenced data from Simon Carless’ GameDiscover.co newsletter, the distribution of these sales reveals approximately 10,000 units sold on Steam and around 15,000 on PlayStation platforms. However, current engagement metrics tell a different story; as of now, only 53 players are active on Steam, with a peak of 697 simultaneous users since the game’s release on August 23rd.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
The lukewarm reception of Concord can largely be attributed to the intense competition within the gaming market. The landscape is saturated with team-based shooters, many of which, like Overwatch 2, are available at no cost to players. Rhys Elliott from Midia Research highlights the challenges of launching a premium title in such an environment, stating, “A tight-knit group of players might be willing to take a chance on a new game for free, but paying is a big ask in today’s macroeconomic climate.”
Elliott further elaborates on the implications of this pricing strategy, noting that the decision to launch Concord as a premium game has significantly restricted its potential audience and user acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of network effects in cultivating a vibrant gaming community, remarking, “The more people who play a game, the more appealing it is.”
In hindsight, Elliott suggests that a free-to-play model or inclusion in the PlayStation Plus subscription service would have provided Concord with a more viable path to success in its crowded genre. While there remains an opportunity for the developers to pivot their strategy, the initial impact of the launch may have already set a challenging precedent. As Elliott succinctly puts it, “First impressions matter.”
