The launch of Concord, the PS5-exclusive hero shooter developed by Firewalk Studios, has been marred by controversy and disappointing player reception. Despite the initial hype generated by its announcement during the PlayStation Showcase in May 2023, the game struggled to gain traction both in its beta phase and after its full release in August 2024. The studio, acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in April 2023, had high hopes for the title, but the game’s abysmal player count and extremely negative reviews have dampened its reception. Amid this turbulent launch, former Firewalk Studios developer Xander Farrell took to social media to defend the game, igniting further controversy.

In a now-deleted tweet, Xander Farrell lashed out at the gaming community and the critics, labeling them as “talentless freaks.” This outburst was met with backlash, further polarizing opinions on the game. Farrell, who played a significant role in animating key characters like Daw, Duchess, and Kyps, expressed pride in his work and the team’s efforts, noting that this was his first experience working on a triple-A title. However, his defensive remarks did little to quell the ongoing negativity, as many players pointed to the game’s low player base and criticized its lackluster performance. Some detractors even predicted the eventual dissolution of Firewalk Studios, casting doubt on the future of the game.

While Concord’s launch has been far from ideal, its future remains uncertain as developers work to deliver updates, new content, and improvements.