The unexpected developments on the Sony PlayStation front have created a major stir in the gaming world. In an email sent to company employees, Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Business Group, announced the closure of two significant studios. Here are the reasons behind the closures and the details of the email…
PlayStation Pulls the Plug on Concord Developer!
According to Hulst, the company’s mobile gaming initiative, Neon Koi, and Firewalk Studios, the developer of the online FPS game Concord, will cease operations. This decision was reportedly made in alignment with PlayStation’s long-term business priorities.
PlayStation has recently maintained its strategy of expanding beyond consoles and focusing on online experiences. However, Hulst noted that this expansion process needs to be strategically managed, with a close review of projects that fail to meet player expectations.
As you may recall, Concord, which went online at the beginning of September, gained appreciation for some of its features but ultimately failed to reach a sufficient player base. Developed by Firewalk Studios, the game was unable to achieve the desired success in the highly competitive PvP FPS market, leading to the termination of its online access.
Hulst emphasized that the decision to close both studios was made after a thorough evaluation process. It was also noted that efforts would be made to place some affected employees in new positions within Sony PlayStation’s global studio network.
Hulst highlighted the importance of developing creative experiences and new IPs, stating that sustainable financial growth is crucial amid challenging economic conditions. He stressed that PlayStation would continue to introduce new projects in the coming months, staying committed to its mission of delivering unforgettable entertainment experiences.
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