Sony has today announced that Concord won’t be returning with the last few months spent exploring options, ultimately the company has announced that the game will be sunset and not return.
Following this decision, Sony also announced that Firewalk Studios, the game behind Concord would be closed. In addition to this, mobile studio Neon Koi will also be closed.
Both of these announcements were made by Herman Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment on the official website, and you can read that full statement here.
Hulst posted the below statement:
“I know none of this is easy news to hear, particularly with colleagues and friends departing SIE. Both decisions were given serious thought, and ultimately, we feel they are the right ones to strengthen the organization. Neon Koi and Firewalk were home to many talented individuals, and we will work to find placement for some of those impacted within our global community of studios where possible.
I am a big believer in the benefits of embracing creative experimentation and developing new IP. However, growing through sustainable financials, especially in a challenged economic environment is critical.
While today is a difficult day, there is much to look forward to in the months ahead from the Studio Business Group and our teams. I remain confident that we are building a resilient and capable organization driven by creating unforgettable entertainment experiences for our players.?”
Firewalk Studios made one last statement on its official Twitter page, going through the journey from independent studio to being acquired by PlayStation and going full speed into full production with Concord in 2022. You can read that full message here.
“We took some risks along the way – marrying aspects of card battlers and fighting games with first-person-shooters – and although some of these and other aspects of the IP didn’t land as we hoped, the idea of putting new things into the world is critical to pushing the medium forward.
The talent at Firewalk and the level of individual craft is truly world-class, and teams within Sony Interactive Entertainment and across the industry will be fortunate to work with them. Please reach out to Recruiting at PlayStation for inquiries, and thank you to all the very many teams, partners and fans who supported us along the way.
See you in the Tempest. – Firewalk Studios” said Firewalk in its finla post on Twitter.