Annabelle Stephenson
In a refreshing departure from industry trends, developers Firewalk have announced that upcoming hero shooter, Concord, will not feature a battle pass and has no plans to introduce one in the future. Responding to player inquiries on social media, Firewalk stated that the game aims to provide a rewarding experience solely through gameplay itself. Instead of a battle pass, players can progress by leveling up their accounts and characters while completing various challenges known as “jobs”.
Furthermore, Firewalk has assured players that post-launch seasons and updates will be added to Concord without any additional cost beyond the base game’s price of $40. Concord gameplay animation director, Mark DeRidder, emphasized this point by stating, “You own Concord, Concord doesn’t own you.”
This departure from the prevalent monetization strategies seen in many games is a welcome change. It is refreshing to see a developer prioritize intrinsic fun over intricate schemes designed to extract more money from players. While it is reasonable to expect post-purchase monetization in the future, Firewalk’s commitment to providing value without additional charges is commendable.
In addition to this announcement, Firewalk revealed that the launch of Concord will include the first three in-game cinematic vignettes, intended to expand upon the game’s immersive world. More cinematic vignettes will follow on a weekly basis. These details, along with the captivating cinematic trailer released in June, have generated considerable excitement among fans.
Concord’s journey from reveal to beta has been swift, with the game slated for release in late August. However, it garnered lower than expected player numbers during its recent Steam beta. Despite this, early impressions from PC Gamer’s experience with the game have been positive. Players have particularly enjoyed the ability to construct makeshift fortresses using deployables.
As Concord approaches its highly anticipated release date, it remains to be seen how the game will fare in the market. With minimal marketing time to build excitement, the game may face challenges initially. Nevertheless, for those interested in a hero shooter that offers a traditional purchase model rather than a subscription-based approach, Concord presents an appealing option.
Stay informed about the latest news and greatest deals selected by the PC Gamer team as Concord makes its debut in late August on Epic, Steam, and PlayStation platforms.
Additional Facts:
1. Concord is developed by Firewalk Studios, a new game development studio formed by a team of industry veterans who previously worked on popular games like Destiny, Call of Duty, and Mass Effect.
2. The game features a diverse roster of heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, allowing players to find a character that suits their preferred style of gameplay.
3. Concord offers both competitive multiplayer modes and a cooperative PvE mode, providing a variety of gameplay experiences for players.
4. Firewalk has emphasized that they are committed to creating a game that is inclusive and welcoming to all players, with a focus on promoting diversity and representation in both the game’s characters and its community.
Key Questions and Answers:
1. Will Concord have microtransactions?
– Firewalk has stated that there will be no battle pass or plans for microtransactions in Concord. Progression will be earned solely through gameplay.
2. How much will Concord cost?
– Concord’s base game price is set at $40, with no additional charges for post-launch seasons and updates.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
1. Lower player numbers during the game’s recent Steam beta may raise concerns about the game’s popularity and success at launch.
2. The lack of a battle pass, while refreshing for players, may pose challenges in terms of long-term revenue generation for Firewalk Studios.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. No battle pass or microtransactions, providing a rewarding experience solely through gameplay.
2. Regular post-launch seasons and updates without any additional cost.
3. Inclusive and diverse representation in both the game’s characters and its community.
Disadvantages:
1. Lower player numbers during the beta phase could be an indication of potential challenges in building a substantial player base.
2. The absence of microtransactions may impact long-term revenue for the game and the studio.
Suggested Related Links:
– Firewalk Studios
– Official Concord Website
– Concord on Epic Games Store
– Concord on Steam
– Concord on PlayStation
