We need to talk about Concord.

Summary

The video script addresses the underwhelming reception of 'Concord,' a video game by first-time developer Firewalk Studios, published by Sony. The speaker, a seasoned industry professional, criticizes the game's heavy focus on identity politics and lack of unique traits, which have alienated gamers. They advise Firewalk Studios and Sony to acknowledge their mistakes, prioritize customer experience, and innovate rather than replicate existing games. The speaker also encourages gamers to voice their preferences to shape the future of the gaming industry.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💻 The speaker is a full-time game developer with a background in various industries, including public relations and brand management.
• 🎮 'Concord' is a video game developed by first-time developer Firewalk Studios and published by Sony, known for their electronic entertainment devices like the Walkman.
• 📈 Concord's development took 8 years and reportedly cost Sony around $100 million, highlighting the scale of the project for a first-time developer.
• 📉 The game's launch saw low numbers and largely negative customer reactions, underperforming in a competitive genre of online multiplayer hero shooters.
• 💬 The game's focus on identity politics and the use of pronouns in character selection received negative feedback from players.
• 🔍 The speaker criticizes the developers for disregarding audience feedback and pushing their vision without considering customer preferences.
• 🚫 The speaker advises Firewalk Studios to accept their approach was wrong and that focusing on identity politics is not well-received by gamers.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes that good games are not made by identity politics or diversity alone but by creating engaging and unique experiences.
• 📊 The speaker calls on the game industry to innovate and not just replicate past successes, stating that gamers want new and interesting experiences.
• 🤝 Sony is urged to treat its audience as equals, listen to their feedback, and rebuild its team with professionals who understand modern customer expectations.
• 🗣️ The speaker encourages gamers to voice their opinions constructively, advocating for the importance of feedback in shaping the future of the gaming industry.
• 🚫 The speaker discourages creating rage bait content or being negative without a genuine reason, highlighting the potential harm to the industry and developers.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is a discussion about the video game 'Concord', its development, launch issues, and the broader implications for the gaming industry.

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker is a full-time game developer who has worked in various roles including public relations, brand management, digital technology consulting, and event management.

What is the game 'Concord'?

'Concord' is a video game developed by first-time developer Firewalk Studios and published by Sony.

How long did it take to develop 'Concord' and what was the reported cost?

It took 8 years to develop 'Concord', and it reportedly cost Sony around $100 million to produce.

What is the speaker's intention with the video?

The speaker's intention is to offer advice to Firewalk Studios, Sony, future game developers, and fellow gamers to help understand the problems with 'Concord' and the gaming industry as a whole.

What genre is 'Concord' entering and what are its challenges?

'Concord' is entering the hero shooter genre as an online multiplayer game, competing with well-established games in the market.

What was the customer reaction to 'Concord' upon launch?

The customer reaction and response to 'Concord' upon launch were largely negative, with low launch numbers and user numbers.

What is the speaker's view on the focus on identity politics in 'Concord'?

The speaker believes that the focus on identity politics in 'Concord' is not well-received by gamers and the gaming industry, and it is not a desirable trait in a game.

What advice does the speaker give to Firewalk Studios regarding their approach to 'Concord'?

The speaker advises Firewalk Studios to accept that their approach was wrong, especially regarding the focus on identity politics, and to listen to their audience's feedback.

What does the speaker suggest to the gaming industry regarding the creation of new games?

The speaker suggests that the gaming industry should create something new and interesting instead of producing generic AAA games, and to offer these new experiences to players to see if they are desired.

What is the speaker's stance on the negative behavior towards 'Concord' online?

The speaker, as an adult, does not condone the negative behavior and rage bait content online but encourages gamers to voice their genuine concerns and dislikes about 'Concord' to the industry.