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Concord is being taken offline on September 6, purchases refunded

laynelane

Member
On some places, you saw comments like "Concord characters weren't designed by committee, if they were, they would be a bunch of big tit Waifus and bald space marines, instead, they are quirky misfits"

Then one of the artists of the game pretty much says "they were designed by committee"

VVD0smm.png



tJbj0jM.png



I actually feel bad for most of the devs at firewalk who didn't have decision power, they likely wanted to do something better, but had to cater to "modern audiences tastes"

"Emotional labor" :messenger_unamused:

I don't use Twitter and only get glimpses of it on here and another site, but the amount of made-up terms is incredible. Also, I guess we're getting to the part of the story where the people involved with this mess start pointing fingers to make themselves feel better.
 
On some places, you saw comments like "Concord characters weren't designed by committee, if they were, they would be a bunch of big tit Waifus and bald space marines, instead, they are quirky misfits"

Then one of the artists of the game pretty much says "they were designed by committee"

VVD0smm.png



tJbj0jM.png



I actually feel bad for most of the devs at firewalk who didn't have decision power, they likely wanted to do something better, but had to cater to "modern audiences tastes"

Yeah, this is pretty messed up for the artists involved. There were hints of good character designs in the final product with a (small) handful of the cast members, but those very likely got neutered and watered down by higher-ups. Whether that's from the heads of Firewalk or even as high up as people within SIE, we probably won't know, but it's clear that suits got involved and dictated a lot of things about this game, including the character designs.

I was like, there is no way the artists and character designers are THIS bad on accident; either they were intentionally trolling or they had major interference from higher-ups. Seems like it was the latter. Hope this game's failure doesn't discourage them from continuing their craft in gaming: ultimately final say for the designs was never in their hands.
 
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NickFire

Member
The top grossing games aren’t exactly all full of T&A.

This game is just ugly and isn’t exactly killing it gameplay wise either.
What makes this game's failure so interesting (to me at least) is that it essentially put conventional wisdom in a grudge match with a thought process that conventional wisdom is outdated (and often proof of bigotry).

Respectfully, this game did not fail this spectacularly because the gameplay wasn't new or remarkably different. Games like COD, Madden, FIFA, 2k, GTA, etc., etc., do not gross money hands over fist because of new gameplay. Most of these games have been the same for decades now. It also did not fail this badly because it charged $ when there are F2P alternatives. Sony has a long history of charging more for consumer products than competitors could, just like Apple. Charging money in the F2P realm certainly cost it some sales, possibly even a lot of sales, but no way did it cause the catastrophe that just unfolded.

What happened here was simple IMO. In a nutshell, there are essentially three groups of people who are big into videogames. The quiet majority, the enthusiasts who would fall more into the conventional wisdom camp, and those who think anyone that disagrees with them is evil. And it turned out that the quiet majority is as tired of the last group as the second group.
 

laynelane

Member
Yeah, this is pretty messed up for the artists involved. There were hints of good character designs in the final product with a (small) handful of the cast members, but those very likely got neutered and watered down by higher-ups. Whether that's from the heads of Firewalk or even as high up as people within SIE, we probably won't know, but it's clear that suits got involved and dictated a lot of things about this game, including the character designs.

I was like, there is no way the artists and character designers are THIS bad on accident; either they were intentionally trolling or they had major interference from higher-ups. Seems like it was the latter. Hope this game's failure doesn't discourage them from continuing their craft in gaming: ultimately final say for the designs was never in their hands.

I remember her tweeting about this subject in the past. It was stuff like this:

5mEpm97.png

I can't bring up the tweet because it's, of course, gone now. This person, in particular, was very defensive about the character designs though. It's only now that there were suddenly "reasons" why they were so terrible. It's probable that there were some issues and conflict surrounding the characters, but also interesting how only now is the "design by committee" excuse coming around.
 
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On some places, you saw comments like "Concord characters weren't designed by committee, if they were, they would be a bunch of big tit Waifus and bald space marines, instead, they are quirky misfits"

Then one of the artists of the game pretty much says "they were designed by committee"

VVD0smm.png



tJbj0jM.png



I actually feel bad for most of the devs at firewalk who didn't have decision power, they likely wanted to do something better, but had to cater to "modern audiences tastes"
I looked at her 'art work'. It looks shit.
 

StreetsofBeige

Gold Member
I looked at her 'art work'. It looks shit.
Her Twitter is protected. I googled her and came up with this Artstation account.

Absolute junk. This is high school art class quality. No joke I knew people in high school back in the day who did better stuff than this. Her linkedin says she's been doing graphics stuff for 10 years and is a Senior Concept Artist at FW. I dont know how much she gets paid, but Concord and this artstation portfolio is industry worthy of a senior graphics artist????

 
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I remember her tweeting about this subject in the past. It was stuff like this:

5mEpm97.png

I can't bring up the tweet because it's, of course, gone now. This person, in particular, was very defensive about the character designs though. It's only now that there were suddenly "reasons" why they were so terrible. It's probable that there were some issues and conflict surrounding the characters, but also interesting how only now is the "design by committee" excuse coming around.

Yes, I recall her having a very self righteous demeanor about her ugly designs, like she was on a mission to have these character designs in the game for the 'modern audience' and it was the magnum opus of her art career.
And now she wants to play victim. Typical.

Ah yes, I found it, SmashJT covered her tweets:


Literal quotes:
Concord has been a dream project for me as an artist and I am extremely proud to have helped flesh out our world.
I am beyond excited to show our character concept art to the world, even if the reception is negative for whatever reason, I put my soul into every single one.
 
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Never get a second chance to make a first impression. Combined with the devs telling the world the game is a 5 on 5 hero shooter just cemented it. At least for an entire year, nobody really knew what the game was aside from a CGI trailer. If it ended up a spoofy fun SP game it wouldnt be so bad (like GotG game), but as a hero shooter it was DOA.

That's not to say a game that got a bad starting impression (F76, RS: Siege and some more) cant start off bad and greatly improve. It can happen with tons of updates. Key difference is those games have a franchise history already, had lots of gamers day one, and had zero politics involved. It involved improving content and gameplay. Not diversity olympics and overhauling the entire artwork. In games like Fallout or a modern soldier game, you dont need crazy cool characters shooting fireballs with blue hair. Just adequate ones that fit the role and thats good enough.

Here's the cast of ugly characters. Bad looks, bad colour palette. Most of the characters have one shade to them. You can practically call them red chick, green guy, yellow robot, purple grandma etc.... Just to prove how unappealing the characters are, when FW posted the beta test results and Top 5 played characters, the top 2 were white/hispanic solider dude and the flying asian girl. Two of the handful of normal looking characters. The rest look ugly or outright retarded like big black tank girl in a turtle shell outfit, fungus head alien and ultra fat filapino dude wearing a bubbly winter jacket with orange dishwasher gloves. And then there's cringey Cmon Cmon Let's Go elfy girl. Then the rest of the Top 5 were hipster shrek, deion sanders with a hat and oddly the faceless astronaut girl wearing a bland spacesuit with the rocket launcher was #5.

Lets face it. If youre going to go for a hero based game (shooter, RPG, fighting, kick ass meathead slashing aliens game etc....) you got to at least make the characters cool. While other kinds of games like puzzles, sports, racing, turn based WWII hex strategy game dont need that appeal to win fans.

Characters-1.jpg
I know this is a dumb question but please have pity on an old gamer.

Can someone explain to me what a hero shooter is?
 
I know this is a dumb question but please have pity on an old gamer.

Can someone explain to me what a hero shooter is?

A hero shooter is a subgenre of first-person or third-person shooter video games where players choose from a diverse roster of unique "heroes," each with their own distinct abilities, weapons, and playstyles. In these games, teamwork, strategy, and hero selection are essential components of success. Here’s a detailed description of how a typical hero shooter might work:

1. Hero Roster:

  • Unique Characters: Players select from a diverse pool of heroes, each with a specific role, such as damage dealers (DPS), tanks, and support/healers. Each hero has unique weapons, abilities, and an ultimate skill that can turn the tide of battle.
  • Distinct Playstyles: Heroes vary drastically, from nimble, high-damage characters with low health to slow, heavy tanks that soak up damage, or support characters that can heal teammates, boost abilities, or provide utility.
  • Lore & Personality: The heroes are often rich with backstories, personalities, and interactions, which can enhance the emotional investment and immersion for players.

2. Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Team-based Combat: Matches typically involve two teams of players (often 5v5 or 6v6) battling over objectives. The team composition is crucial, and players often need to switch heroes mid-game to counter the opposing team’s choices.
  • Abilities & Ultimates: Each hero has a set of abilities that may include offensive moves, defensive shields, movement skills, and crowd control effects. Their ultimate ability is a powerful move that charges over time or through combat and can be used to swing the outcome of a fight.
  • Fast-paced & Strategic: While the game is fast-paced and action-packed, it heavily emphasizes strategy, with teamwork, positioning, and timing playing critical roles in success.

3. Game Modes:

  • Objective-based Modes: Rather than just focusing on kills, hero shooters typically have game modes revolving around objectives, such as capturing points, escorting payloads, or controlling zones. The strategic depth is enhanced by needing to balance attack and defense while coordinating abilities.
  • Casual & Competitive Play: These games usually offer both casual play, where players can experiment with different heroes, and competitive modes with ranked matchmaking, encouraging players to improve and rise through the ranks.

4. Team Dynamics:

  • Role Synergy: Effective teams must synergize their heroes' abilities. For example, a tank might shield teammates while a damage dealer flanks the enemy, and a healer keeps everyone alive. Good communication and coordination often determine victory.
  • Counter-play: Players constantly need to adapt to the opposing team’s choices. If one team is dominating with a particular strategy, switching heroes or developing a counter-strategy becomes critical.

5. Visuals & Aesthetics:

  • Stylized Graphics: Many hero shooters feature vibrant, stylized graphics with colorful environments and distinct, recognizable character designs, helping players identify heroes at a glance. The art style often adds personality and appeal to the game.
  • Dynamic Maps: Maps are usually large, multi-layered, and designed for strategic depth. They often include various environmental hazards, hidden routes, and elevation changes, encouraging tactical thinking.

6. Customization & Progression:

  • Cosmetic Customization: Players can often unlock or purchase skins, emotes, voice lines, and other cosmetic items to personalize their favorite heroes. This adds an element of progression and personal attachment to the characters.
  • Achievements & Rewards: In addition to cosmetic items, players might earn experience points, levels, and rewards by completing challenges, winning games, or performing specific tasks within a match.

7. Community & Esports:

  • Thriving Esports Scene: Hero shooters often have a competitive esports scene, with professional teams and tournaments. The strategic nature of the games makes them exciting to watch, with high-level plays and teamwork often featured.
  • Community Engagement: Developers typically maintain a close connection with the player base, frequently updating the game with new heroes, maps, events, and balancing patches to keep the game fresh and engaging.

Example Games:​

  • Overwatch: One of the most well-known hero shooters, Overwatch, features fast-paced, objective-based gameplay with a colorful roster of heroes.
  • Apex Legends: A battle royale game with hero shooter elements, Apex Legends emphasizes unique character abilities combined with tactical, squad-based combat.
  • Valorant: While primarily a tactical shooter, Valorant incorporates hero-based abilities that influence combat and strategy.
In essence, hero shooters mix the adrenaline of a traditional shooter with strategic depth, teamwork, and the distinct flavor of unique characters, offering players a blend of fast action and thoughtful gameplay.
 

Men_in_Boxes

Snake Oil Salesman
Yeah, this is pretty messed up for the artists involved. There were hints of good character designs in the final product with a (small) handful of the cast members, but those very likely got neutered and watered down by higher-ups. Whether that's from the heads of Firewalk or even as high up as people within SIE, we probably won't know, but it's clear that suits got involved and dictated a lot of things about this game, including the character designs.

I was like, there is no way the artists and character designers are THIS bad on accident; either they were intentionally trolling or they had major interference from higher-ups. Seems like it was the latter. Hope this game's failure doesn't discourage them from continuing their craft in gaming: ultimately final say for the designs was never in their hands.
Good God do I love sports.

When you play a basketball game and go 2/16 with 7 turnovers, you are forced to take it on the chin. "I f***ed up. It's on me. My teammates deserve better." Nobody on your team puts up with the above (@ImagineAmanda) kind of mentality.

These character designers are lame as ****. They created some of the dumbest designed characters and they're trying to blame everyone but themselves.
 
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Kacho

Gold Member
Yes, I recall her having a very self righteous demeanor about her ugly designs, like she was on a mission to have these character designs in the game for the 'modern audience' and it was the magnum opus of her art career.
And now she wants to play victim. Typical.

Ah yes, I found it, SmashJT covered her tweets:


Literal quotes:

God I love receipts.

That video was posted a over a month ago and Amanda already had him blocked on Twitter... and she has severe TDS. Like clockwork. It was only after her inclusive barf backfired that she wants to distance herself from it. Typical lack of conviction from those types. She felt empowered until she didn't.

"Naw I didn't make those atrocious characters. It was our evil leaders. They wouldn't listen to reason. Please understand!"
No Way GIF


Also that SmashJT guy nailed it.

"These people are never accountable for anything."

LOL
 
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caesarAlbus

Neo Member
On some places, you saw comments like "Concord characters weren't designed by committee, if they were, they would be a bunch of big tit Waifus and bald space marines, instead, they are quirky misfits"

Then one of the artists of the game pretty much says "they were designed by committee"

VVD0smm.png



tJbj0jM.png



I actually feel bad for most of the devs at firewalk who didn't have decision power, they likely wanted to do something better, but had to cater to "modern audiences tastes"
Just look at some of her designs from her ArtStation website
amanda-kiefer-tally-2.jpg

amanda-kiefer-capra.jpg

Yeah, I surely doubt that Concord didn't turn out exactly how she and the designers wanted it, but it's hard to admit your work sucked and easy to play the victim.
 
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Bernardougf

Member
God I love receipts.

That video was posted a over a month ago and Amanda already had him blocked on Twitter... and she has severe TDS. Like clockwork. It was only after her inclusive barf backfired that she wants to distance herself from it. Typical lack of conviction from those types. She felt empowered until she didn't.

"Naw I didn't make those atrocious characters. It was our evil leaders. They wouldn't listen to reason. Please understand!"
No Way GIF


Also that SmashJT guy nailed it.

"These people are never accountable for anything."

LOL
Yeah.. been saying since yesterday.. this poor devs was all manegement fault bullshit dosent stick with me ... a woke manegement will choose woke devs and so on ... the studio is rotten.. just see if anyone is salvageable and nuke the rest
 

StreetsofBeige

Gold Member
Just look at some of her designs from her ArtStation website
amanda-kiefer-tally-2.jpg

amanda-kiefer-capra.jpg

Yeah, I surely doubt that Concord didn't turn out exactly how she and the designers wanted it, but it's hard to admit your work sucked and easy to play the victim.
Pure junk.

On the other hand, check out this game designers pics. I even bookmarked his page years ago. Used to work at UBI, now Housemarque. For any old school Axelay fans, check out this stuff.

 
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Esppiral

Member
Her Twitter is protected. I googled her and came up with this Artstation account.

Absolute junk. This is high school art class quality. No joke I knew people in high school back in the day who did better stuff than this. Her linkedin says she's been doing graphics stuff for 10 years and is a Senior Concept Artist at FW. I dont know how much she gets paid, but Concord and this artstation portfolio is industry worthy of a senior graphics artist????

I find her art style quite ugly and unpleasant, but we shouldn't call others art /work or whatever junk. You can see the effort put in some of those designs.
 

Raven117

Member
sony banked too much on this game and now only left with a children's game in astro bot which doesnt appeal to grown people.
Troll troll troll your boat.
Yeah.. been saying since yesterday.. this poor devs was all manegement fault bullshit dosent stick with me ... a woke manegement will choose woke devs and so on ... the studio is rotten.. just see if anyone is salvageable and nuke the rest
Nah. That’s bullsheet. Everyone… absolutely everyone is to blame for a failure that magnificent.
 
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