Sony Interactive Entertainment has shut down two of its studios, Firewalk and Neon Koi, following the cancellation of the live service game “Concord. ” The decision came after Sony evaluated its games portfolio and found that “Concord” didn’t meet player expectations. Sony acquired Firewalk just over a year ago, but despite some exceptional features, the game didn’t attract enough players in the competitive first-person shooter genre.
Sony’s CEO, Hermen Hulst, mentioned that mobile gaming remains a priority, but the focus is now on titles that align with PlayStation Studios’ quality and have global potential. Neon Koi’s mobile action game won’t move forward, leading to the studio’s closure. Hulst thanked the staff for their hard work and passion, aiming to place some of the impacted employees in other studios.
The closures come after Sony’s Bungie studio laid off over 200 employees. Hulst emphasized the need for sustainable financial growth, especially in a challenging economic environment. Despite the difficult news, Hulst remains confident in the future of the Studio Business Group, focusing on unforgettable entertainment experiences.
