Concords Release Date May Be Poorly Timed

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Concords Release Date May Be Poorly Timed

Highlights

  • Concord faces tough competition in the live-service shooter market, launching amidst big titles like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty.
  • Many gamers are skeptical of Concord’s ability to compete, citing concerns about the game’s character, charm, and price point.
  • Concord’s success may hinge on delivering unique storytelling and gameplay experiences to lure players away from established franchises.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming experience under my belt, I have to say that I’m a bit concerned about the upcoming release of Concord. It seems like it’s jumping into a particularly crowded market at a time when big titles like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty are dominating the scene.

In the future, Concord will enter as a fresh competitor within the AAA free-to-play market. Debuting exclusively on PC and PlayStation 5 towards the end of this month, Concord has garnered some criticism by being compared to games like Overwatch and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Some players have expressed doubts about its appeal, suggesting that it may lack personality, charisma, and the ability to stand out among other live-service titles. Critics also argue that it might struggle to compete due to its premium price point and in-game purchases.

Despite larger corporations trying to capitalize on the live-service game craze, there’s a strong likelihood that the gold rush has already passed. Those familiar with the free-to-play market understand that for every success story like Fortnite or Warzone, there are numerous failures such as Marvel’s Avengers or Babylon’s Fall. Time and again, large publishers seem to put the cart before the horse, assuming that gamers will eagerly embrace any high-budget, long-term commitment. However, audiences have shown they are more discerning than that, scrutinizing new live-service games much more carefully than they might have a few years ago. In this somewhat unfavorable environment, Concord is making its entrance, and the circumstances surrounding its release aren’t helping its cause.

Concord Is Jumping Into the Live-Service Shooter Market at a Particularly Crowded Point

  • August 23: Concord release date
  • August 27: Overwatch 2 Season 12 release
  • August 27: Destiny 2: Echoes final act release
  • August 30: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 open beta

It’s possible that Concord could make an impact in the shooting game market, but it may be more advantageous for its launch to occur during a less busy time. Games like Overwatch 2, Destiny 2, and Call of Duty have established themselves with a larger fanbase over several years, which gives them a significant edge compared to Concord. In essence, if a gamer has to decide between spending money on Concord or getting early access to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 beta, they might choose the latter since they are familiar with the franchise and its offerings.

The similarity between Overwatch 2 and Concord, if compared, could potentially be very critical for Concord. Both games share similarities as they are hero shooters with some MOBA-like aspects and a focus on captivating characters. However, Overwatch is a franchise that has already established its success, whereas Concord is yet to prove itself. It boasts a fun, distinctive cast of characters, enjoyable shooter mechanics, and a robust set of competitive game modes, albeit slightly outdated.

Having been an avid gamer for over two decades now, I must say that the gaming industry has seen some significant shifts in pricing models, and the recent announcement of Overwatch 2 being free-to-play while Concord is set to launch at $40 USD upon release has me scratching my head. As someone who has followed both games closely since their inception, I can’t help but feel that this decision could have a profound impact on Concord’s player count.

Concord Will Be Wrestling for Players’ Time

Initially, Concord finds itself at a significant disadvantage compared to its rivals like Destiny 2 and Call of Duty due to cost and perceived value. However, the most detrimental factor may be time, as these games are strategically built to keep players engaged for extended periods. This is particularly noticeable in Destiny 2, where the gameplay revolves around loot collection and a grind for better equipment, requiring substantial playtime.

These games are expertly designed to keep players engrossed for extended periods, which poses a challenge for Concord, particularly given its divided critical appraisal. Concord might find success if its main selling points, primarily its narrative style, prove compelling, but if it’s perceived as an overeager, costlier sibling of Overwatch 2, it may struggle against rival titles.

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2024-08-08 23:06