Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has officially closed Firewalk Studios following the abrupt end of its first major title, Concord, a PlayStation 5 shooter that failed to meet expectations and was removed from platforms within two weeks of release. The announcement came via an internal memo shared by SIE’s Studio Business Group CEO, Hermen Hulst, marking a significant setback for Sony’s live-service gaming strategy.
Concord’s Launch and Immediate Shutdown
Concord, Firewalk Studios’ PvP first-person shooter, launched on August 23, 2024, with a substantial budget. However, the game struggled immediately, encountering low player engagement and criticism for its lack of innovation and sparse content. It also didn’t help that the game was tied to Sweet Baby Inc. Just 11 days later, SIE made the decision to take Concord offline on September 3, leading to widespread speculation about the studio’s future.
Firewalk’s Closure and Industry Impact
Shortly after Concord’s removal, it was reported that Firewalk Studios’ director, Ryan Ellis, stepped down. The official closure notice followed, with Hulst noting that SIE had “spent considerable time these past few months exploring all our options.” Hulst acknowledged the competitive landscape in the shooter genre, citing Concord’s inability to meet player expectations.
The decision also extends to SIE’s Neon Koi, a German studio previously tasked with developing a mobile action game, which will also close.
Sony’s Live Service Strategy Faces Challenges
The closure of Firewalk and the premature end of Concord underscore the challenges Sony faces as it diversifies beyond traditional single-player games. Sony had acquired Firewalk in April 2023, intending to expand its live-service offerings. However, the failure of Concord and the financial strain of maintaining multiple studios have led SIE to reevaluate its approach. With plans to launch several live-service games by 2026, Sony’s next moves in the live-service space are likely to be more cautious.
