In a surprising turn of events, Concord, Sony’s latest first-person shooter, is being pulled from the market after only a few days of availability. The game, developed by Firewalk Studios, faced severe backlash due to a lackluster launch. With poor marketing efforts, no pre-existing fanbase, and character designs that failed to resonate with players, Concord quickly became one of the year’s biggest gaming flops.
Despite this, Concord isn’t entirely gone. The game, which many considered a disappointment, is set to have a second chance in an unexpected way — it will appear as part of Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming anthology series, Secret Level. This series, announced at Gamescom by Tim Miller, promises to highlight various games and franchises through one-shot episodes, including Concord.
What Went Wrong with Concord?
Concord had the odds stacked against it from the beginning. Its release was met with poor reception, leading to low sales on Steam and negative reviews from critics. Players cited a range of problems, from uninspired gameplay to technical bugs that made the experience frustrating. The character designs, which many fans had hoped would be a standout feature, fell flat. These design choices, combined with a steep price point, alienated potential players and resulted in the game’s rapid downfall.
Firewalk Studios acknowledged the game’s issues and stated that certain aspects of the launch did not go as planned. In response, Sony halted sales and began issuing refunds to those who purchased the game during its brief time online. According to sources close to the development team, the decision to pull the game was made quickly as it became apparent that Concord was not going to recover from its poor launch.
Concord Finds a New Home in Secret Level
While Concord may be disappearing from the gaming world, it is getting a second chance on screen. Tim Miller’s upcoming series Secret Level, set to air on Prime Video, will feature a standalone episode focused on the ill-fated game. Secret Level is an anthology series that highlights various video game franchises, from major titles like God of War and Armored Core to lesser-known games like Concord. The series will consist of 15 episodes, each focusing on a different game or franchise.
Despite Concord’s failure as a game, its inclusion in Secret Level is raising some eyebrows. Many are curious about how the show will portray the game, given its troubled launch and negative reception. During Gamescom, a brief glimpse of Concord in the show’s trailer revealed a character called Star Child, who, according to some fans, gives off a Hellboy vibe. This has sparked a bit of intrigue, as viewers are now wondering if the show might offer a fresh take on the game’s characters and narrative, potentially giving them a second life.
Tim Miller’s Vision for Secret Level
Tim Miller, known for his work on Deadpool and Love, Death & Robots, is the executive producer of Secret Level. The series aims to explore the unique stories within the gaming world, creating visually stunning and narrative-rich episodes that bring iconic games to life in a new medium. With Secret Level, Miller is hoping to bridge the gap between gaming and television, offering fans a new way to experience their favorite franchises.
In the case of Concord, this may be its last opportunity to make a positive impression. Although the game has been pulled from shelves, its appearance in Secret Level could provide some redemption. If well-received, the show could spark renewed interest in the game’s concept and characters, potentially opening the door for future adaptations or spin-offs.
The Future of Concord and Other Adaptations
While Concord’s future as a game is uncertain, its role in Secret Level provides a glimmer of hope for the title. As one of the lesser-known games featured in the series, Concord will likely be viewed with curiosity by fans of video game adaptations. However, it remains to be seen whether the show’s portrayal will resonate with viewers.
Amazon Prime’s Secret Level is scheduled to release on December 10, and fans of gaming adaptations will undoubtedly be eager to see how the series turns out. With 15 episodes covering franchises like God of War, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and Armored Core, the show promises to be one of the most ambitious video game-related projects in recent memory. For Concord, it could be the last chance to capture the hearts of fans and find success, even if only in a different medium.
In the meantime, players who were disappointed by the game’s launch will receive refunds, and the Concord roadmap that Sony had planned remains uncertain. Whether Concord has a future beyond its appearance in Secret Level remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that this is not the end for the ill-fated shooter.
Image credit: Amazon Prime Video
