Uncertainty Looms at Firewalk Studios as Leadership Resigns Amid Concord Shutdown

In light of recent developments, significant changes are unfolding at Firewalk Studios following the shutdown of the Concord game. The studio's director is reportedly resigning from his position, leaving behind a leadership role amid concerns over potential layoffs for the development team.

Ryan Ellis, the director of Concord, has informed his colleagues at Firewalk that he will be stepping back from his directorship and transitioning to a lesser, supportive position. This announcement comes on the heels of PlayStation's decision to shut down Concord's servers and refund players for their purchases, casting a shadow over the studio's future as uncertainty looms without clear guidance from the company.

The disappointment is magnified by the belief that the developers' efforts cannot be blamed for the game's shortcomings. Although numerous factors may have contributed to the failure to engage an audience, the less-than-stellar promotional efforts from Sony and the game's price point of $40—significantly higher than most free-to-play options—likely played a major role. Analysts estimated that approximately 25,000 copies were sold, indicating a significant setback for a major release from PlayStation.

Sources within Firewalk conveyed a sense of skepticism regarding the chances of Concord's revival, as there have been rumors about new creative pitches. However, many are contemplating the possibility that Firewalk may shift towards collaborating on established first-party titles instead.

Worries persist about the future of the studio, especially concerning potential mass layoffs or even complete closure. Some insiders have pointed out that Firewalk could be among the costliest studios for PlayStation when considering the expenses per employee. As a result, many developers are taking precautions by updating their resumes and portfolios, with some already seeking opportunities elsewhere.

This situation mirrors earlier events this year, when Sony laid off approximately 900 employees across various game studios, affecting teams at notable establishments like Naughty Dog and Insomniac. Additionally, several unannounced projects were canceled during this time. Similarly, Microsoft has also faced its own cuts, laying off hundreds of staff across different gaming divisions shortly after previously significant reductions in workforce.