The Rise and Fall of Concord: A Deep Dive into Toxic Positivity in Game Development
In the world of gaming, the development of a new title can be a costly and risky endeavor. This was especially true for PlayStation’s shooter Concord, which reportedly cost a staggering £300m ($400m) to develop. The true cost of building this game has been unveiled, shining a light on a culture of toxic positivity that permeated the development cycle.
According to PlayStation podcast Sacred Symbols, a source who worked on Concord revealed that the development process was rife with toxic positivity. This toxic positivity, as described by the podcast host, meant that critical feedback was often ignored, leading to a flawed end product. The game was internally referred to as “The future of PlayStation” with Star Wars-like potential, further perpetuating a sense of unwavering optimism within the team.
Kotaku’s senior reporter also weighed in on the issue, corroborating the claims of toxic positivity surrounding Concord. Some sources pointed to a head-in-the-sand mentality carried over from the studio’s Bungie roots, where there was a belief that the team was too talented to fail. This mentality ultimately led to blind optimism and a lack of willingness to address critical feedback.
The Fallout of Concord’s Launch and Subsequent Removal
Despite the high expectations and significant investment in Concord, the game was removed from sale just two weeks after its launch on PS5 and PC. Game director Ryan Ellis acknowledged that while certain aspects of the game resonated with players, there were critical flaws in the overall experience that did not align with the team’s intentions.
In response to the game’s removal, Sony issued refunds to all players who had purchased Concord. This move was a rare step for the gaming giant, highlighting the severity of the situation and the disappointment surrounding the game’s failure to meet expectations. The aftermath of Concord’s removal left the team at Firewalk Studios in a state of uncertainty, with reports of Ellis stepping down from his role as game director.
The Cost of Toxic Positivity in Game Development
The case of Concord serves as a cautionary tale for the gaming industry, shedding light on the detrimental effects of toxic positivity in the development process. When critical feedback is dismissed in favor of unwavering optimism, it can lead to costly mistakes and ultimately result in a failed product.
Developers and industry insiders familiar with PlayStation have expressed skepticism regarding the reported $400m cost of developing Concord. While the exact figure remains disputed, it is clear that the financial investment in the game was substantial, making its swift removal from sale all the more significant.
Moving forward, it is crucial for game developers and studios to strike a balance between optimism and realism in the development process. Embracing constructive criticism and addressing flaws early on can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure the success of future projects. The downfall of Concord serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of toxic positivity in game development and the importance of maintaining a critical eye throughout the creative process.
