Sony has recently shaken things up by announcing the closure of two of its game development studios, Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios. Alongside this announcement, the company confirmed that the game Concord will be shelved indefinitely. This news was first communicated to employees through an internal email, which shed light on the decision-making process behind these closures.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Business Group emphasized the importance of continually assessing their game lineup to align with both present and future business goals. This reassessment led to the tough decision to close down Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios. Neon Koi’s mobile action game, once a promising endeavor, will no longer be pursued, marking the end of the studio that was celebrated for its innovative approach and dedication.
Firewalk Studios found itself in a similar situation. Their project, Concord, aspired to introduce a fresh new IP to Sony’s lineup, with ambitions to enter the competitive team hero-shooter market alongside heavyweights like Overwatch and Team Fortress 2. Despite these high hopes, Concord struggled to gain traction in the crowded gaming market. Even at its zenith, the game could not attract more than 1000 players on Steam, making it difficult to maintain a healthy multiplayer ecosystem.
Despite the game’s early potential, indicated by its inclusion in Amazon’s upcoming gaming anthology series Secret Level, these efforts could not translate into a sustainable player base. Ultimately, the decision to permanently retire the game and close Firewalk Studios was deemed the most prudent course of action after thoroughly exploring all viable options.
This strategic pivot reflects Sony’s commitment to refining its business approach by focusing resources on projects and studios that align more closely with its long-term strategy. While the closure of these studios marks the end of certain creative endeavors, it also paves the way for new opportunities and the pursuit of different initiatives within the company.
