The universe is not done with Concord developers Firewalk Studios as game director Ryan Ellis steps down to a supporting role. But what’s next?
Firewalk Studios and Concord were supposed to usher in a new era for Sony’s endeavors into the live service genre. But the story couldn’t have been more lopsided. According to a new report, game director Ryan Ellis has stepped down from his role in the studio to a support role.
The game had red flags from the beta itself. | Image Credit: Firewalk Studios
The decision comes just weeks after the game was removed from the market, leaving both the studio and its staff in a precarious position. As Firewalk waits for Sony’s next move, many employees fear that mass layoffs or even the complete closure of the studio could be imminent.Will Firewalk Studios Join The List of One and Done Studios?
⛶
⛶
⛶
⛶
⛶
Ryan Ellis is known for his previous work at Bungie on Destiny 2 and was deeply involved in Concord‘s development. Despite his and the studio’s efforts, the game failed to find its footing, barely reaching 700 players globally at its peak, a figure far too low to sustain a live-service multiplayer game.
Following the game’s removal, Ellis has announced his transition to a support role as reported by Kotaku. The failure of the live service project has raised questions about Firewalk Studios’ future and put the team in a scary situation. Sony acquired Firewalk in 2023, and now the studio finds itself in a state of limbo.
The team is now reportedly exploring alternative projects unrelated to their last one. Some have been asked to pitch entirely new concepts, while others anticipate that the studio could become a support team for other PlayStation Studios games. Employees are also preemptively updating their portfolios or leaving the company entirely.
Sources also noted that Ellis was visibly emotional during a post-launch meeting where the game’s failure became evident. He had poured a great deal of personal effort and belief into the project, which likely added to the stress. Despite the spectacular failure, it’s a rough situation for the devs.
The Studio Could Also Be Repurposed But We’ll Have to Wait and See
The future is uncertain for the studio. | Image Credit: Firewalk Studios
One of the more alarming possibilities for the studio is the potential for mass layoffs. With around 150-170 employees, the studio represents one of the more expensive operations within Sony’s portfolio. The failure of Concord has led many to speculate that downsizing may be inevitable.
Sony’s decision to pull back Concord was a big hit to the company’s ambitions in the live-service gaming market. This move follows a troubling trend within Sony’s first-party studios. Other planned online projects such as Naughty Dog’s planned The Last of Us multiplayer project, have also been canceled.
The company has been grappling with the challenge of competing against free-to-play titles that dominate the first-person shooter market, and Concord was yet another casualty of this uphill battle.
For now, the staff at Firewalk are left in a state of uncertainty, waiting for Sony’s final decision. Can the studio find new life as a support studio for larger PlayStation projects or will we lose another studio?
What do you think the future has in store? Let us know in the comments!
News
‘Agatha All Along’ Might Have Just Introduced a New Young Avengers Member
Agatha All Along premiered with its first two episodes, and while audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, critics are less impressed with the show’s campy tone. We’ve already explored intriguing elements from the premiere, such as the Witches’ Road and Blackheart. However, it appears that these…
Joe Locke’s “Teen” is a Game-Changer for Queer Representation in ‘Agatha All Along’ & MCU
With Agatha All Along now premiering its first two episodes, audience reactions have been positive, though critics are less impressed. Continuing from WandaVision and leading into the MCU’s forthcoming Vision project, the show tracks Agatha Harkness’s journey as she escapes captivity and attempts to regain her powers…
Why Agatha’s Pet Rabbit Could Be the Most Dangerous Character on the Show
“Agatha All Along” recently debuted its first two episodes, setting the stage for several key characters in the MCU’s future. With its focus on witchcraft, the show has hinted at potential introductions of figures like Blackheart, Mephisto, and Hulkling. However, one character that was teased…
Why Is the Teen Incapable of Saying His Name in ‘Agatha All Along’?
Agatha All Along is the upcoming MCU series spinning off from the hit show WandaVision. The series has changed its name so many times before the current one and we’re honestly surprised that it managed to stick to this one until the premiere. Be…
‘Agatha All Along’ Showrunner Reveals More Information About Wanda’s Fate and Possible ‘Agatha All Along’ Cameo
Agatha All Along is the latest MCU series spinning off from the hit show WandaVision. The series has changed its name so many times before the current one and we’re honestly surprised that it managed to stick to this one until the premiere. Be…
Wild ‘Agatha All Along’ Fan Theory Suggests Agatha May Have Killed Her Own Son
Agatha All Along premiered its first two episodes, and early reactions from fans have been positive, as the show clearly caters to a specific audience. Agatha is once again free to explore the world, but with a twist—she’s powerless and on a quest…
End of content
No more pages to load