Concord, the latest live-service hero-shooter from Playstation and Firewalk Studios is set to release later this year. It was just officially revealed last week as part of Sony’s State of Play, revealing its sci-fi setting.
The game has seized an opportunity akin to Helldivers 2, with its $40 price tag which makes sense given that it’s a multiplayer-only game with no single-player component. For many gamers, this can be appealing in a market where new releases usually go for $60 and $70.
Concord Won’t Be a Full-Priced Game
Helldivers 2, the sequel to the popular cooperative top-down shooter, Helldivers, offered a compelling model that Concord has seemingly mirrored. Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed, some leaked listings suggest the game won’t be full-priced, nor will be free-to-play, as some have been speculating.
Helldivers 2 maintained a similar pricing strategy, setting itself at a $40 price point. This decision didn’t deter players, instead, it positioned the game as a premium experience, worthy of its price tag, without being overpriced for a multiplayer-only game.
By embracing a similar pricing model, it has signaled its intent to provide a similar gaming experience in terms of bang for your buck. While a $40 price tag might seem steep compared to other live-service and multiplayer shooter titles of the current era which are often free, it offers a significant revenue potential for the game if it’s successful.
Although, the price is still competitive. There are plenty of good free-to-play, high-quality multiplayer games out there such as Halo Infinite and Destiny 2, and it will be interesting to see how this game fares amongst them. It could be a sleeper hit just like Helldivers 2, or it could crash and burn like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Is the Lower Price Point a Good Sign for Concord?
Helldivers 2 managed to attract a large player base quickly, thanks in part to its lower price. Gamers who might have been on the fence about purchasing it at $70 found $40 a lot more appealing. Concord is likely aiming for the same effect. By making the game more affordable, Firewalk Studios is lowering the barrier to entry, which could mean a larger player base from the get-go.
Aside from its appealing price, the game is generating buzz for other reasons too. Set in a futuristic sci-fi universe, the game promises an immersive world where you’ll get to learn more about the characters and their dynamics through CG vignettes, or shorts, released in-game every week.
The gameplay is expected to blend elements of first-person shooters with hero abilities like in Overwatch. The game’s aesthetic is also a big draw, with stunning visuals and a vibrant, engaging world that looks like it’ll be a good backdrop for the maps.
Of course, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the game. Specifics about its live service ambitions and future roadmap are relatively low. All we know is that all future content such as new heroes, maps, etc. will be completely free.
Are you excited for Concord? Do you think the game will be a hit? Let us know in the comments.
