Sony has shut down Firewalk Studios, the development studio behind the ill-fated Concord. PlayStation's CEO of Studio Business Group at Sony Interactive Entertainment sent a message out to PlayStation staff today informing employees that both Firewalk Studios and Neon Koi, a mobile game studio, are being shuttered.
It probably goes without saying, but Hulst's statement also confirms that Concord is "permanently sunset." That is, there is no chance for that game to be revived in any form.
Regarding Firewalk, as announced in early September, certain aspects of Concord were exceptional, but others did not land with enough players, and as a result we took the game offline. We have spent considerable time these past few months exploring all our options.
After much thought, we have determined the best path forward is to permanently sunset the game and close the studio. I want to thank all of Firewalk for their craftsmanship, creative spirit and dedication.
After much thought, we have determined the best path forward is to permanently sunset the game and close the studio. I want to thank all of Firewalk for their craftsmanship, creative spirit and dedication.
Concord released on PlayStation 5 and PC on August 23rd. After reaching a peak player count on Steam of just under 700 people, the game was taken offline on September 6th. Sales estimates for Concord at well under 25,000 units for PS5 and PC combined.
Neon Koi was acquired by Sony in 2022. The studio was working on a mobile action, live-service title prior to being shut down. This unspecified title will "not be moving forward" either.
While mobile remains a priority growth area for the Studio Business, we are in the very early stage of our mobile efforts. To achieve success in this area we need to concentrate on titles that are in-line with PlayStation Studios’ pedigree and have the potential to reach more players globally.
With this re-focused approach, Neon Koi will close, and its mobile action game will not be moving forward. I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Neon Koi for their hard work and endless passion to innovate.
With this re-focused approach, Neon Koi will close, and its mobile action game will not be moving forward. I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Neon Koi for their hard work and endless passion to innovate.
