"That trailer is a tiny slice," Concord Exclusive Interview

Summary

Concord, a 5v5 hero shooter from Firewalk Studios, is set to launch on PS5 and PC this year, following a July beta. Developed by veterans from Destiny, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends, Concord offers immersive gameplay and a rich narrative through weekly vignettes. Despite initial trailer criticism, the team emphasizes the importance of gameplay feel and character depth, with a focus on responsive controls and a lore-rich universe. Monetization will be through cosmetic items, ensuring the core experience remains accessible.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Concord is a 5v5 hero shooter developed by Firewalk Studios, featuring a team with experience from Destiny, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends.
• 📅 The game is set to release on PS5 and PC later this year, with a beta version scheduled for July.
• 🔥 Initial public reactions to the game's trailer were mixed, with some criticism regarding its tone and dialogue.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The developers emphasize that the trailer only shows a small part of what the game offers and express excitement for players to experience the full game.
• 🌌 Concord has been in development for five years, aiming to provide immersive and fluid gameplay with a strong focus on character depth and backstories.
• 👥 The game's design philosophy revolves around the 'round the corner' test, ensuring players can make quick combat decisions based on character abilities and advantages.
• 🎨 The art and character design are deeply intertwined with gameplay, with each character's appearance and backstory influencing their abilities and playstyle.
• 📖 Concord introduces a unique storytelling element through weekly vignettes that explore character backstories and the game's narrative.
• 🛍️ The game will have a one-time purchase price of $40, with additional cosmetic items available for purchase that do not affect gameplay.
• 💼 Firewalk Studios is committed to supporting the game post-launch with new content, including maps, modes, characters, and ongoing narrative development.
• 📈 Despite comparisons to Overwatch, the team believes Concord has a unique identity and gameplay experience that sets it apart from other hero shooters.

Q & A

What is the game Concord about and who is developing it?

Concord is a 5 versus 5 hero shooter game developed by Firewalk Studios. It is set to be published on PS5 and PC later this year, with a beta version coming in July.

What is the background of the team behind Concord?

The team behind Concord consists of veterans from renowned shooter games like Destiny, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends, indicating a strong expertise in the genre.

How long has Concord been in development?

Concord has been in development for half a decade, showcasing a long-term commitment to the project.

What was the public's initial reaction to the game's trailer?

The initial public reaction to the game's trailer was mixed, with some criticizing its tone and dialogue.

How does Kim Crin, Concord's director of IP, respond to the criticism of the trailer?

Kim Crin emphasizes that the trailer only shows a small part of the game and expresses excitement for the full experience to be in players' hands, hoping that the depth of characters will unfold over time.

What is the core identity of Firewalk Studios in terms of game development?

Firewalk Studios' core identity lies in creating immersive and fluid gameplay that feels tremendous in players' hands, with every action being responsive.

How does the game ensure players can make quick decisions in a competitive environment?

The game uses the 'round the corner' test to ensure that players can make split-second fight or flight decisions based on the characters they encounter.

What is the significance of the character design in Concord?

The character design in Concord is significant as it helps players quickly understand who they are up against and what they bring to the table, enhancing the gameplay experience.

How does Concord incorporate storytelling into its gameplay?

Concord uses vignettes, weekly shorts that explore character backstories, the season's overarching narrative, and more, to incorporate storytelling into the gameplay.

What is the monetization strategy for Concord?

Concord will be released for $40 or around £35, and it plans to monetize through cosmetic items that do not affect gameplay, while keeping all gameplay relevant content and narrative free for players.

How does the development team approach the comparison of Concord to other games like Overwatch?

The team acknowledges the comparisons but believes that Concord has a unique identity and gameplay experience that sets it apart from other games in the genre.

What is the philosophy behind Concord's moment-to-moment shooting gameplay?

The philosophy is centered on creating a gameplay foundation that feels good to play, with a focus on responsiveness and immersive player experiences.

How does Concord plan to sustain itself in the ever-changing gaming market?

Concord plans to focus on a solid foundation and consistent vision, with an emphasis on fun and engaging gameplay that can be expanded and adapted over time.