Firewalk Studios, the Sony developer behind the ill-fated PlayStation shooter Concord, has closed and the game will remain permanently offline, despite previous suggestions that it could return. Sony’s mobile-focused developer Neon Koi has also closed.
Sony confirmed Firewalk’s closure in a post on its website and shared an email from Sony Interactive Entertainment boss Hermen Hulst that was sent to company employees earlier today. “We consistently evaluate our games portfolio and the status of our projects to ensure we meet short- and long-term business priorities,” Hulst wrote. “As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen SIE’s Studio Business, we have had to make a difficult decision regarding two of our studios: Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios.”
“Expanding beyond PlayStation devices and creating engaging online experiences beyond our single-player games are key focuses for us as we develop our revenue streams,” Hulst added. “However, we must be strategic in bringing our games to new platforms and recognize when our games are not meeting player expectations.”
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“Certain aspects of Concord were exceptional,” Hulst continued, “but others did not land with enough players, and as a result we took the game offline. We’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months exploring all our options [and] After much consideration, we have decided that the best path forward is to permanently discontinue the game and close the studio. I would like to thank everyone at Firewalk for their craftsmanship, creative spirit and dedication.”
“The PvP first-person shooter genre is a competitive space that is constantly evolving, and unfortunately we did not achieve our goals with this title,” Hulst added. “We will take the lessons learned from Concord and continue to enhance our live service capabilities to achieve future growth in this area.”
Concord has been offline since early September, when it was withdrawn from sale just two weeks after its PS5 and PC release, amid suggestions that it had sold fewer than 25,00 copies. At the time, Sony said the game would remain offline indefinitely so Firewalk could “determine the best path forward” and “explore options, including options that will better reach our players.” Later that same month, it was reported that Concord game director Ryan Ellis had resigned and the remaining Firewalk staff were left in limbo as they waited for Sony’s decision on the game’s future. Firewalk – which employed 150 to 170 people – was acquired by Sony last year as part of a massive live-service push under former PlayStation boss Jim Ryan.
In addition to Firewalk’s closure, Hulst has announced that Sony is closing its mobile-focused Neon Koi studio (formally Save Game Studios) and canceling the developer’s action game. “Mobile remains a priority growth area,” Hulst emphasizes in his email to employees, “[but] we must focus on titles that are in line with PlayStation Studios’ heritage and have the potential to reach more players worldwide… I would like to thank everyone at Neon Koi for their hard work and endless passion to innovate.”
“I know none of this is easy news to hear, especially with colleagues and friends leaving SIE,” Hulst continued. “Both decisions have been seriously considered, and ultimately we believe they are the right ones to strengthen the organization. Neon Koi and Firewalk have been home to many talented individuals, and we will work to find a home for some of those affected within our global community of studios where possible.
“I strongly believe in the benefits of embracing creative experimentation and developing new intellectual property. However, growing through sustainable financial services is crucial, especially in a difficult economic environment.
“While today is a difficult day, there is much to look forward to in the coming months from the Studio Business Group and our teams,” Hulst concluded in his statement. “I remain confident that we are building a resilient and capable organization, driven by creating unforgettable entertainment experiences for our players.”
