Sony Closes Firewalk Studios, Shuts Down PlayStation Harmony Game

Poor Sales Led to Sony’s Decision to Shutdown Firewalk Studios

Sony has announced that it will be closing its Firewalk Studios, along with a mobile game development studio, Neon Koi. The decision follows the disappointing sales performance of their PlayStation Harmony game, "Concord".

Poor Reception and Disappointing Sales

"Concord" debuted on August 23rd, but Sony had to take it offline on September 6th due to underwhelming sales. While estimates suggest that the game sold below 25,000 units, the peak number of concurrent players never exceeded 697 players on Steam.

Sony’s Adaptive Strategy and Future Plans

CEO of PlayStation Studios, Hermen Hulst, has stated that the studio has spent significant time exploring all its options. Given that "Concord" failed to meet Sony’s targets, the decision to shut down was a strategic one.

Hulst attributes the decision to learn from "Concord’s" shortcomings and continue advancing live service capabilities. As he mentions, mobile game development remains a priority, but Sony is re-focused and closing Neon Koi.

Neon Koi: A Mobile Game Studio Layoff

Hulst confirms that both Firewalk Studios and Neon Koi will close, highlighting that these decisions were carefully considered. Neon Koi was originally known as Savage Game Studios, which Sony acquired in 2022. The studio was working on a new triple-A mobile service game.

What This Means for Sony Developers

While some developers might find new roles within Sony’s other studios, a significant number are expected to join the growing ranks of laid-off game developers. The gaming industry has seen numerous layoffs over the past couple of years, reflecting broader economic trends and shifts in consumer behavior.

Industry Impact

The closure of Firewalk Studios and Neon Koi highlights the challenges Sony faces amidst shrinking budgets and ever-increasing competition in the gaming market. As other major game studios reduce their workforce, there is growing concern about the future stability of the industry.

Final Thoughts

Hulst outlines his gratitude towards the dedicated team members of Firewalk Studios, attributing their dedication and creative spirit to their efforts. However, the shutting down of the studio was necessary for Sony to streamline its operations and focus on future growth areas, including live service games.

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