Despite nearly everyone suggesting that Sony postpones Concord and reevaluates the proposed business model, the company, alongside Firewalk Studios, appear determined to launch the game in August as scheduled, despite feedback from the beta. This has become particularly evident this week, with the studio disregarding criticisms and revealing plans for free updates post-launch.

Firewalk Studios and Sony have unveiled the post-launch strategies for Concord, a game that no one appears to be enthusiastic about. The studio has affirmed that there are no intentions to introduce a battle pass, which is usually crucial to sustain revenue for live-service games. Instead, Concord aims to provide a “rewarding and comprehensive experience on day one”.

To maintain player engagement, Concord will receive complimentary updates for new characters and maps, along with a weekly ‘vignette’, which is a brief cinematic scene designed to immerse players in the overarching story of Concord.

With post-launch updates being complimentary, it is uncertain how Sony intends to generate revenue from Concord. The game only drew two thousand concurrent players during its open beta on Steam, and despite Sony’s marketing efforts, players do not appear interested. It has also emerged that Concord is missing from many Steam wishlists.

Originally, Blizzard launched Overwatch as a paid game, requiring players to make an upfront payment with the promise of free updates in return. However, just three years post-launch, Blizzard realized the model was unsustainable and commenced work on Overwatch 2, which was released as a free-to-play title. Some players who tested Concord during the beta have suggested that the game should be postponed and restructured as a free-to-play experience for a better chance at long-term success.

We have witnessed several major live-service games pledging free updates with additional content such as new playable characters and maps previously. Nonetheless, as demonstrated by titles like Babylon’s Fall, Marvel’s Avengers, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, these complimentary updates do little to guarantee player retention post-launch. Each of these games quickly dwindled in player count, and considering Concord’s open beta figures on Steam, it is probable that this game will tread a similar path.

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