Sony’s Concord: Live-Service Sci-Fi Shooter without Battle Pass
Sony’s Firewalk Studios is breaking the mold with their upcoming 5v5 hero shooter, Concord. In a surprising move, the developer announced that Concord will not feature a battle pass, emphasizing to players that “You own Concord, Concord doesn’t own you.”
This decision was shared on social media by Firewalk Studios, highlighting their focus on creating a rewarding and immersive experience from day one. Players can expect to earn meaningful rewards simply by playing the game, leveling up their accounts and characters, and completing in-game tasks.
Mark DeRidder, Concord’s gameplay animation director, reinforced this message by stating, “No Battle Pass, folks. You own Concord, Concord doesn’t own you.” This departure from the industry norm where battle passes are prevalent, especially in live-service games, sets Concord apart.
While Concord will not have a battle pass, the game will offer cosmetic character customization items for purchase. The game is priced at £35/$40 and will be available on PlayStation 5, PC via Steam, and Epic on 23rd August.
In addition to the absence of a battle pass, Firewalk Studios revealed that Concord will feature additional cinematics, new Freegunners (heroes), maps, modes, and more in post-launch seasons and updates. These updates will be accessible to all players at no extra cost, ensuring a fair playing field for everyone.
At launch, Concord will include single-player training modes, six distinct 5v5 team-based modes, and multiple unlockable variants for each of its 16 heroes. This variety promises diverse gameplay experiences for players, catering to different playstyles and preferences.
Eurogamer’s Chris Tapsell previewed Concord, praising its gameplay but noting that its full potential has yet to be realized. With promising elements in place, the game has the opportunity to carve out its unique identity over time.
As Concord prepares for its highly anticipated release, players can look forward to a fresh take on the live-service genre. By prioritizing player ownership and rewarding gameplay, Firewalk Studios is charting a new course for multiplayer shooters. “You own Concord, Concord doesn’t own you” encapsulates the studio’s commitment to delivering an engaging and player-centric experience.
