Fact Check: Concord is the biggest video game failure in history

Concord: The Biggest Video Game Failure in History?

Introduction

The claim that "Concord is the biggest video game failure in history" has emerged following the game's rapid decline after its launch. Concord, developed by Firewalk Studios and published by Sony, was marketed as an online hero shooter, but it reportedly struggled to gain traction, leading to its removal from digital storefronts just 11 days after release. This claim raises questions about the criteria used to define "failure" in the gaming industry and how Concord compares to other notorious flops.

What We Know

1. Launch and Reception: Concord launched with a budget estimated between $100 million and $200 million, but it peaked at only 1,124 concurrent players during its early access phase, which is significantly low for a game of its scale 28. Reports indicate that the game was unable to break quadruple digits in player counts shortly after its release 1.

2. Duration of Availability: The game was available for only 11 days before being pulled from digital shelves, a duration that some sources describe as unprecedented for a major title 25.

3. Market Context: The game was released in a saturated market of hero shooters, many of which are free-to-play. Critics argue that Concord's $40 price tag was a significant barrier to entry, especially when compared to successful titles in the same genre 13.

4. Comparative Failures: Some analysts have compared Concord to other high-profile gaming failures, such as the Sega 32X and the 3DO, which, despite their own shortcomings, managed to sell hundreds of units before being discontinued 2.

5. Sony's Response: Sony has acknowledged the failure of Concord, indicating that it will learn from this experience and make changes for future projects 7.

Analysis

The assertion that Concord is the "biggest video game failure" is subjective and depends on the metrics used to define failure. Several sources provide insights into this claim:

• Source Credibility: Forbes and IGN are generally considered reliable sources in the gaming industry, often providing well-researched articles. However, they may also have biases, as they rely on industry relationships and advertising revenue from gaming companies 15. Kotaku and PC Gamer, while reputable, also cater to specific gaming audiences, which may influence their framing of the narrative around Concord 34.

• Methodology: The analysis of Concord's failure often relies on player count and financial metrics. However, the lack of comprehensive sales data and player retention statistics makes it challenging to fully assess the game's performance. Additionally, the comparison to other failures may overlook the unique circumstances surrounding each title's release and market conditions.

• Conflicting Opinions: Some sources suggest that the game's failure was due to a lack of innovation and market oversaturation, while others argue that the pricing model was the primary issue 110. This divergence highlights the complexity of the gaming market and the various factors that contribute to a game's success or failure.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some articles may have underlying agendas, such as promoting alternative games or platforms, which could color their portrayal of Concord's failure. For instance, discussions around free-to-play models may reflect a bias towards that business strategy as a more viable option in the current market landscape.

What We Need

To better understand the claim that Concord is the biggest video game failure in history, additional information would be beneficial, including:

• Detailed sales figures and player retention data post-launch.
• Comparative analyses of other major game failures, including their budgets and market conditions.
• Insights from industry analysts on the long-term implications of Concord's failure for Sony and the gaming market as a whole.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that "Concord is the biggest video game failure in history" is mostly false due to the subjective nature of defining "failure" in the gaming industry. While Concord's rapid decline and short availability are notable, the evidence suggests that it does not surpass other significant failures in terms of sales and player engagement. The game's high budget and low player count are concerning, but comparisons to other failures, such as the Sega 32X and the 3DO, indicate that there are other titles with more substantial failures in terms of market impact.

It is important to recognize the limitations of the available evidence, including the lack of comprehensive sales data and player retention statistics, which complicate a definitive assessment of Concord's performance. Furthermore, the gaming market is influenced by various factors, including pricing strategies and market saturation, which can affect a game's success or failure.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances surrounding claims of failure in the gaming industry, as the context and criteria for such assessments can vary widely.

Sources

1. The Ten Reasons PlayStation's 'Concord' Has Failed ... - Forbes: Link
2. Dissecting Concord's Catastrophic Collapse: The $100 Million Game That ... - AFK Gaming: Link
3. Is Concord the biggest live service failure of all time? - PC Gamer: Link
4. The Biggest Entertainment Flop Of All Time Was Mostly Unnoticed - Kotaku: Link
5. Why Concord Failed - IGN: Link
6. Documenting the biggest failure in video game history - YouTube: Link
7. Sony Acknowledges, Explains Concord's Failure, And Future Changes - Forbes: Link
8. Concord's Launch Is A Historically Significant Failure - Gameranx: Link
9. Concord: The Biggest Failure in Gaming - YouTube: Link
10. Is Concord the biggest flop in history? - Steam Community: Link