Concord, Sony’s ambitious 5v5 hero shooter launched by Firewalk Studios in August 2024, ended up being one of the fastest shutdowns in gaming history. The game struggled with poor reviews and player interest, leading Sony to pull the plug and shutter Firewalk Studios just weeks after release. This left Concord completely unplayable for most players.
But the story didn’t end there. A small but passionate group of community developers known as Red, open_wizard, and gwog spent months reverse engineering Concord’s backend and rebuilding its server API. Their efforts have now made it possible to play matches on brand new custom servers outside Sony’s infrastructure.
How the Fan-Made Servers Work
The fan team rebuilt all core backend systems, including main menus, character loading, matchmaking, and even fully playable matches of the “Clash Point” mode. While the current state remains a work-in-progress with remaining bugs, it’s a significant achievement considering the game was never intended to operate without Sony’s servers.
The developers are careful to avoid distributing game files and have emphasized they do not support piracy. Their goal is preservation and keeping Concord alive for fans who enjoyed it despite its commercial failure.
Sony’s Response
Sony has begun issuing DMCA takedown notices against YouTube videos demonstrating play on these fan servers. This indicates that while the fan project has succeeded technically, it faces legal challenges and uncertain long-term prospects.
Community Reaction
Fans appreciate the dedication and technical skill involved in reviving Concord. Many see this as a hopeful sign for game preservation and community-driven support for live service titles shut down prematurely. Some hope Sony might reconsider or support an official revival someday.
FAQs
Is it legal to play on fan-made Concord servers?
The fan team avoids distributing game files and does not condone piracy; however, Sony’s DMCA actions show legal risks remain.
Can anyone join the fan servers?
Currently, the servers are under private testing and not openly accessible to the public.
Will Sony ever bring back Concord officially?
There is no official word, and the studio behind Concord has been closed.
What’s next for the fan project?
The team plans further private playtests and bug fixes but faces potential shutdown from Sony’s legal team.
Conclusion
The revival of Concord by dedicated fans showcases the passion communities have for games even those considered failures. Despite legal and technical hurdles, the fan-made custom servers provide a rare glimpse of hope for the preservation and continued enjoyment of a game that Sony itself left behind.