This weekend’s launch of two new shooters highlights the contrasting outcomes that can emerge when companies introduce live service games. Valve’s Deadlock, a hybrid of MOBA and hero shooter, has been in testing for months, with extensive leaks and pre-release engagement indicating strong anticipation.
Officially revealed this weekend, Deadlock saw over 64,000 concurrent players on Steam, with positive reactions and exciting gameplay clips dominating the online discourse.
Despite its positive reception, Deadlock’s success contrasts sharply with that of PlayStation’s Concord. Released earlier this week for PS5 and PC, Concord struggled to attract a significant player base.
SteamDB reports that the game had fewer than 700 concurrent players on PC during its debut weekend, which is a disappointing performance compared to other recent game launches, despite receiving favorable reviews from its limited player base.
The disparity between Deadlock’s and Concord’s performances raises questions about the challenges of launching new hero shooters. Sony’s PlayStation has a successful track record with live service games, as evidenced by the earlier success of Helldivers 2.
However, Concord’s underwhelming performance suggests that not all live service games can replicate such success, especially in a genre where new entries are facing diminishing returns.
One factor contributing to Concord’s struggles might be its development timeline. With an eight-year development span, starting shortly after the original Overwatch’s release, Concord may have been designed to capitalize on a trend that has since waned. In contrast, games like Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, and Valorant continue to thrive, indicating that the hero shooter genre has become less receptive to new entrants.
PlayStation’s experience this weekend demonstrates the unpredictable nature of launching live service games. The stark contrast between Deadlock’s success and Concord’s struggles highlights the volatile landscape of the genre, where even well-reviewed games can face significant challenges. This weekend serves as a reminder of both the potential highs and lows inherent in the live service game market.
