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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FTS: FragPunk Announces Closed Beta With First Official Gameplay Trailer at Gamescom 2024

GUANGZHOU, China – August 23, 2024 – NetEase Games, the online games division of NetEase, Inc. and Bad Guitar Studio announced during the Gamescom Xbox Broadcast that registrations are open for FragPunk’s upcoming closed beta test on Steam and Xbox, set to go live in early October. Interested players can head over to the game’s steam page or to the Xbox insider program to register.

FragPunk’s Closed Beta Test Pre-Registrations Are Open!

FragPunk’s closed beta test will begin in early October, with the specific dates to be shared next month. Players can sign up for the test starting August 23 by visiting the game’s Steam Page or by joining the Xbox insider program. Compared with the previous Alpha Test, this Beta Test will be opened to a wider range of players in Europe, North America, Latin America, Japan, and South Korea.

The test will feature an array of new and improved features, including heroes, cards and modes, with more details on the new content coming later in September. It will also be the first time the game is available on Xbox, with cross-play allowing players of both platforms to compete with each other.

The first official gameplay trailer for FragPunk was also released at the event, highlighting the game’s Shard Card mechanics and their numerous effects and interactions with one another. Moreover, the trailer showed the unique tiebreaker mechanic, Duel Mode. 

From Nail-biting tiebreakers to an encouraging alpha and beyond!

Aside from its appearance in the official gameplay trailer, the tie-breaker mechanic occurs in a match when both teams are tied at three round victories each. To decide the winner, a series of 1v1 duel gunfights play out, with each player facing an opponent with a single life. The player who wins moves on to fight the next competitor, making it possible for one team member to carry the entire squad to victory. 

FragPunk’s popularity kept progressing between its reveal and following Closed Alpha test in June. The amount of test applications has exceeded the team’s expectations, and in turn provided them with valuable feedback. Players and streamers who were invited to the Closed Alpha praised its unique aesthetics and its engaging gameplay loop which kept the pressure on thanks to the ever-changing nature of shard cards. 

In addition, FragPunk's recent video features stunning visuals made in collaboration with NVIDIA to showcase the game’s graphical quality, allowing for raytracing and NVIDIA DLSS 3 with Frame Generation. Even in the closed beta, our cast of heroic Punks are going into battle looking as good as possible.

The upcoming closed beta test is the ideal way to experience the game early and learn the ropes. So make sure to visit the game’s steam page or Xbox insider program to register your interest in the game and prepare for the test in October!

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FTS: Generation Zero Announces New Skyfire Update, Launching June 25 on PC, PlayStation & Xbox

The stealth-action game’s next free update adds new endgame boss, the ability to repair Companions on the go, and the new Meusser Hunting Rifle

STOCKHOLM – June 11, 2024 – Systemic Reaction is excited to reveal the free Skyfire Update for Generation Zero, the open-world stealth-action shooter. Launching on June 25 for Steam, PlayStation and Xbox, this newest content drop will introduce The Vulture - a brutal new endgame enemy machine - as well as a bonus weapon and Companion Armor Kits, a new feature that gives players the ability to repair their Companions while exploring or in combat.

Skyfire Features:

• New Endgame Boss: Face off against the terrifying Vulture, a new Tyrant class enemy in the form of an evolved Firebird. Arm yourself with your best equipment and rally your allies to defeat this menacing new foe.
• Companion Armor Field Repair: Companion Armor Kits can soon be equipped into your weapon wheel and thrown onto Companions. This new feature allows players to repair or re-kit their Companions on the go, increasing the Companion’s versatility and the length of excursions without needing to return to a safehouse.
• New Weapon & Augmentations: The new Meusser Hunting Rifle fires a chemical laser beam that can set the ground around the player on fire. New weapon augmentations will also be added that require defeating Tyrants to unlock.
• Revamped Tyrant Spawning System & More: Players can now discover Tyrant locations after defeating Rival machines, gathering Coordinate Keys, and entering them into Tyrant Terminals located in base assault bases. Tyrant progression will also be updated, along with fixes to machine detection.

Generation Zero is a stealth-action shooter that puts players on the front line of an alternate history war against the machines. Explore a vast open world map inspired by the Swedish-era Cold War and take part in the resistance alone or with up to three friends in seamless co-op. Including the upcoming Skyfire update, Generation Zero has received 32 major updates and two substantial story expansions since its launch in 2019. With a growing community of over six million players and more new content on the way, there’s never been a better time to join the resistance! 

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FTS: It’s Time to Shine Light on Shadow of the Ninja Reborn: Release Date Confirmed for August 29!

It’s Time to Shine Light on Shadow of the Ninja Reborn: Release Date Confirmed for August 29! Choose your favorite platform… because we’ve got ‘em all covered!

Berlin, 06 June 2024 - It’s official – Shadow of the Ninja Reborn slashes its way onto all consoles for its global release on August 29, 2024! Grab the digital versions of this highly anticipated remake for 19,99€ on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam! Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 will get physical versions for 29,99€, while Limited and Collector’s Editions can be pre-ordered at Strictly Limited Games. Two heroes emerge from the shadows… with one goal in mind: Take down Emperor Garuda and save the world. After 33 years, experience a revamped 16-bit style, an improved combat system, a BRAND-NEW additional level, and an epic soundtrack by, the one and only, Iku Mizutani!

But Wait, That’s Not All!

Players can soon get a sneak peek into the thrilling gameplay of Shadow of the Ninja Reborn with the release of our official playable demo! Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for updates on the release date of the demo. Regarded as one of the best two-player co-op games for the Nintendo Family Computer (NES) in the early 90s, Shadow of the Ninja (also known as Blue Shadow in Europe and Australia) propelled NatsumeAtari and TENGO PROJECT into becoming one of action gaming’s greats. From the original makers of recent hits, Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors and Pocky and Rocky Reshrined, Tengo Project delivers this stunning remake for a legendary NES title.

Check out the features of this exciting release: An Arsenal of Deadly Weapons: Caltrops, shuriken, and more! Departing from the NES original, Hayate and Kaede will have an expanded variety of weaponry! Jungle of Concrete and Steel: 5 completely recreated stages featuring devious traps and challenging platform puzzles. Plus, a 6th entirely new stage! Two Ninjas are Better Than One: Grab a friend and get ready for the critically acclaimed couch co-op! A Fresh New Look: Beautiful modern in-game sprite art as a faithful update to the 8-bit original! Bringin’ It Back to the 90’s: Feast your eyes on the key visuals and characters illustrated by Dynamic Productions, the same remarkable illustrators of the original 90’s title! A Star-Studded, Rockin’ Soundtrack: Play along with the legendary Hiroyuki  Iwatsuki and Iku Mizutani’s electrifying guitar riffs and fast-paced retro melodies.

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