Dear Developers: Why Sony’s Concord... Didn’t Have to Fail!

In this installment of Dear Developer, I have to start by saying... Sony's Concord flop didn't have to occur. 

You heard me right. (Yeah... I said it!)

This guy looks like the alien version of Nathan Drake mixed w/ Yondu!

Knowing When Enough is Enough

Developers must recognize when a particular concept has reached its saturation point at a particular time. With the abundance of PvP games on the market, how was Concord going to successfully compete? Instead, it could have been a single-player experience featuring a cast of memorable, badass characters on an unforgettable adventure. The concept was there as seen in the trailer, and this can still be salvaged and flipped because the structure is still there. For $400,000,000... I would sure as heck try to flip it.

Missed Opportunities

Imagine the blockbuster single-player title with a compelling storyline that this could have been. It’s disheartening to see so much investment go down the drain when this could have been a viable alternative. While I’m being vague (unless Sony pays for more details), it’s clear that a different approach could have yielded better results. Again, it doesn't have to be over (but make it download only).

Balancing online and Single-Player Elements

There could have been an aspect of the game that allowed for competitive online play, but... a full-blown PvP game in today’s saturated market, especially with numerous solid free-to-play options, was a risky move. I would have been surprised if it succeeded. I wouldn't even add PvP personally, competition would be served up in a different way.

A Different Perspective

This isn’t coming from the angle of a hater. $400,000,000 is a lot (like aloooooottttt) of freaking money to lose. The reaction from gamers might have been different if I had been involved in the decision-making process regarding the genre and direction of the game though and I highly doubt they'd be sitting in discount bins for $1. I can say that with a straight face. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can make all the difference.

Overall, Sony’s Concord game had potential, but a different approach might have led to a more successful outcome. The assets can and should be whipped up to make single player magic, everything doesn't have to be multiplayer and this didn't have to be a... PvP hero shooter. It's okay to salvage or give it away.

 + Sophi 

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Dear Developers: Don't Update Games With Annoying New Requirements

This crap that Sony just pulled with Helldivers 2, goes back to what I've said awhile back. I know some of you aren't even aware of what occured, and you're (probably) looking like Kendrick Lamar at the moment.

There was a particular 'Dear Developers' installment in 2017 talking about the problem with using game platforms for other game platforms. Remember that? Sony isn't the only one requiring logins through alternate platforms, I have to say that. There have been multiple publishers with this requirement like EA, Ubisoft, S-Game, and others.


The customers didn't buy the game after that was already a requirement though, so how fair is that to spring such an update on them?

There are a number of gamers including myself who don't wish to go that extra step in terms of opening a game, because some will ultimately try to avoid the games that take away your ability to simply go in and get your game on. If you make the decision to release a game on an alternate platform, it doesn't rob you of money if you allow gamers to... simply have the game on that platform without additional requirements that require usage of an alternate platform or sign-in. Right or wrong?

Whoever thought this would be a great idea for Sony to do, made a horrible decision (in my opinion). Horrible. It might not seem like a big deal, but think of what this means in terms of business and gaining access to PC gamers. Sure, they could reverse it, but that doesn't take away the fact that it happened, and... that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of select gamers and a stain on Sony. A stain that could make select gamers... paranoid. If they wanted a Playstation, they'd make that move.

Example: I literally will see EA games that I wouldn't mind playing, games that I actually own, but... I don't want to go through one platform to access others. And what if there are updates on Steam, and then you go in to the other platform and have to wait for an update there regarding the game and the platform itself? A number of gamers are already logging via limited free time, so it's imperative that publishers don't get in the way of their own success. Helldivers 2 is one of this years best selling games, so it's like... Sony, why!? According to Sadat over at GameRant, Steam is refunding Helldivers 2 players regardless of playtime, and that says something. I'm glad they were able to get a refund for this unexpected move, but the purchase was for good times that gamers were having. That said, i'm sure many were still like:

The developer can't be blamed for this, but they will get affected by something the publisher pulled. The desire to control, just might be a potential element, but... a number of PC gamers are on PC to get away from that very thing. Think about it, and... game on!

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E3 2023 Canceled... but does it matter anymore?

E3... E3, if you haven't heard by now, it's canceled... again! Does it matter though?

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) didn't have to let it go this route, they could have... and technically still could do a digital presentation (but they aren't). Did they wait to the point that people are now shrugging off the legendary Superbowl of video game events? I believe so.

Waiting around wasn't going to present them to emerging audiences, and more adults are hanging up their headsets more often because of time constraints (although we're challenging some to just try different games). Those who may have wanted to see them come back, they've begun enjoying other video game presentations. 

Is it all on them? Not at all, when you consider major publishers like Nintendo, Sony, Sega, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Tencent reportedly withdrawing, but... you don't back down if E3 is something you want to happen. You double down, and fill those freaking slots!

Again, E3 could have gone digital this year, and these companies aren't the only ones around (duh of the day), but the ESA has to be willing to stand with Indie and other lesser-known companies. Look at Devolver Digital, I salute them because they aren't just crossing their fingers during the traditional game expo window, they're going in with a middle finger up + all their craziness. The ESA can learn a thing or two from them. 

I'm also disappointed because it's another year that opportunities are stripped from those who could've worked the event or done the work to deliver a digital showcase. It also is one less place where other developers and publishers were able to get shine. I don't know what they'll do for the sake of bouncing back, but if it gives the ESA solace... no one that's interested in game expos will just turn away E3.

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Sony fires PlayStation executive allegedly busted in pedophilia sting

This is a wild turn of events for George Cacioppo. This guy was the PlayStation Senior VP, busted in an amateur pedophilia sting operation run by YouTube's People v. Preds channel. This is the first we've heard of them, but it's a good look when you do the right thing and keep children safe.

George Cacioppo is no longer a part of Sony or its PlayStation brand, but he may become a part of a certain registry after this.

People v. Preds, might be labeled as an amateur sting operation that catches sexual predators who attempt to meet their victims online, but they shouldn't be labeled amateur at all. These are heroes who prevent a 64-year-old sicko from arranging a meeting with someone he thought was a 15-year-old boy.

Dude, my little cousin just turned 15! Thank you to the People v. Preds team, parents have to really be vigilant. Luckily this was a sting, but who's to say if this was George's first attempt?

True victims and survivors should... always speak out. - Blu

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The PS5 approaches... and so is the PS4's swan song!

Holiday 2020... PS5, are you excited... just kinda-sorta curious... or not interested?

It's a new console, yes... but other than the specs... I really just want to know about the line-up. I do hope that the PS5 is as backward compatible with the PS4 library as possible because I don't want to see a bunch of remastered games. Affordably awesome games playable on the new console... will make for an easier transition.

Backward-compatibility reminds me of PC to an extent, because... you get access to your PC gaming library (in many cases) when you upgrade. It's the most backward-compatible platform... without trying to compare to console, but it's the perfect example of transitioning from one to the next while still being able to enjoy the games you own and the older titles you'd like to own. So making the PS5 as compatible as possible would be a win for Sony, build up that PS5 base and wow gamers with those pending exclusives.

I know that Sony will have its exclusives (fingers crossed for the best of the best)... but I really would love to see some new installments or remakes of select IPs as I've mentioned before (i.e. Parasite Eve). Remember, Square Enix filed for a trademark for Parasite Eve... so I do hope to see something come of it... eventually.

The PS4 had a nice lineup of exclusives, and hopefully... Sony finishes strong with the PS4's last dance. As long as the price is right the PS5 will be a worthwhile buy... especially for those who wanted a PS4 but waited (especially if the backward-compatibility gives them access to last gen's library).

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