Good morning. It’s Friday, September 13. Sony’s Concord could go down as one of the most significant video game failures in history, with servers shutting down a mere 11 days after its launch. Despite an estimated eight-year development cycle and a $100 million budget, the game failed to capture an audience. Our feature today explores the key factors that contributed to its rapid downfall.
In other news, we cover the European Union’s latest complaint against major gaming companies, accusing them of misleading consumers with in-game purchases. More on these stories and others in today’s edition.
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11 Days of Failure: How Concord Became Sony’s Biggest Gaming Flop
Sony’s Concord was supposed to be a game-changer—a hero shooter with a splashy launch and a massive budget, ready to compete with the genre's top players. Instead, it collapsed under its own weight, lasting just 11 days before being pulled from shelves. With fewer than 10,000 copies sold on Steam and a peak player count of only 660, Concord is remembered for its colossal commercial failure rather than its gameplay.
In an industry known for high-risk bets, Concord might be the costliest misstep yet, with Sony rumored to have sunk over $100 million into its development. The $40 price tag likely deterred players used to free-to-play models, while the game’s reception was tepid at best.
Our latest feature dives into the reasons behind Concord’s spectacular flop, examining how a game with such high expectations and backing could fail so completely and so quickly. It’s a sobering reminder that even the biggest names in the business can falter when things go wrong.
Epic, EA, Ubisoft, Roblox and More Face EU Scrutiny Over Alleged Misleading In-Game Purchases
Seven major gaming companies, including Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Supercell, Ubisoft, and Roblox, are facing accusations of misleading consumers into overspending on in-game currencies, according to a complaint filed by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). The complaint, lodged with the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities, alleges the companies used deceptive practices that push consumers—particularly younger players—into making excessive in-game purchases.
The BEUC is calling for stricter regulation, including a ban on paid in-game currencies or, at minimum, limiting their availability to users under 18. The organization also seeks stronger legal protections to ensure transparency in how these virtual currencies are sold.
“The online world brings new challenges for consumer protection,” said BEUC director general Agustin Reyna. “Companies must not exploit children’s vulnerabilities to increase profits.”
Video Games Europe, representing the industry, disputed the claims in a statement to TechCrunch. The group said its members "comply with European consumer laws" and emphasized the transparency of in-game purchases. It also pointed out that players are not required to spend money, with many games offering free experiences upfront.
Quick Bytes
Microsoft Announces 650 Layoffs in Gaming Unit
Microsoft has announced layoffs impacting 650 employees in its gaming division, with cuts primarily affecting corporate and support roles. In a memo, Xbox head Phil Spencer reassured staff that no games, devices, or experiences would be canceled, nor are there any studio closures planned. The layoffs, Spencer explained, are part of efforts to “align post-acquisition team structure” and position the business for “long-term success.” He added that some teams are being affected as they adjust to shifting priorities and game performance. Microsoft aims to align resources for future growth and better support its studio teams.
TVS Apache Joins as Co-Presenting Sponsor for College Rivals Season 2
Motorcycle brand TVS Apache has partnered with collegiate esports talent hunt College Rivals as the co-presenting sponsor for its second season. This collaboration aims to connect with younger audiences by blending the thrill of high-performance motorcycling with competitive gaming. College Rivals Season 2, which spans over 20 cities and 58 colleges, will engage more than 200,000 students. TVS Apache will showcase its motorcycles at events, offering students the chance to test drive and win exciting prizes, including a brand-new TVS Apache 200 4V for the grand finale champion.
Riot Games Partners with Opera GX for League of Legends Esports
Riot Games has partnered with Opera GX, naming it the Preferred Browser of League of Legends Esports Global Events, just ahead of the 2024 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds 2024). The multi-year partnership includes several features tailored for esports viewers, launching September 25. Opera GX users will gain access to exclusive "Worlds Unlocked" digital drops, a co-streamer hub, and a “Riot Corner” with a customized match directory and calendar. Additionally, Riot is offering six official League of Legends mods for Opera GX, including themed wallpapers and sounds featuring champions like Lee Sin, Renekton, and K’Sante.
Gosu Academy Expands into UAE, Aiming to Boost Esports and Contribute $1 Billion to Dubai's GDP
Esports coaching and education provider Gosu Academy has expanded into the United Arab Emirates, aiming to contribute over $1 billion to Dubai's GDP by 2033 and create around 30,000 jobs. As the UAE positions itself as a global esports hub, Gosu’s presence in the Middle East aims to help strengthen the country’s gaming community and esports infrastructure. The academy has partnered with esports organizations, federations, and schools to nurture future pro players and expand esports education. Co-CEOs F. Javier Bernal and Braeden Plein emphasized their commitment to fostering talent and supporting the UAE's ambitious gaming industry goals.
Did You Know
Did you know that the modern gaming chair owes its origins to the car industry? The popular gaming chair design can be traced back to DXRacer, a company that originally manufactured car seats. In the early 2000s, DXRacer was producing seats for luxury sports cars. However, after Chrysler discontinued the line of vehicles for which these seats were designed, DXRacer had to pivot. Rather than letting the high-quality seats go to waste, the company repurposed them for a new market—gaming.
The ergonomic features of racing car seats, such as lumbar support, a high backrest, and adjustable angles, made them a perfect fit for gamers who spend long hours seated. These features also helped gaming chairs distinguish themselves from standard office chairs, offering enhanced comfort and a sleek, aggressive aesthetic that appealed to gamers. DXRacer’s innovation in transforming car seats into gaming chairs not only pioneered a new trend in the gaming industry but also led to the widespread adoption of ergonomic designs in gaming setups. Today, many gaming chair brands continue to incorporate design elements inspired by car seats, cementing DXRacer’s role in shaping this essential piece of gaming culture.
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