"but from when I first came in four years ago, it was like 'it's too big to fail, there's so much behind this.' Even if things go poorly on launch, it's gonna be ok, and we'll have one year's runway"
Wow! What type of mindset is this? Seriously?
This statement underscores a systemic issue; when big-budget (Sony's money) & scale overshadow quality & integrity, players bear the cost; receiving heavy political gibberish, unfinished, buggy, & disappointing experiences in exchange for players money while also knowingly that they were screwing Sony too. Now, these ill developers have moved on to new projects, while Sony absorbs the hit & holds the record; for the history books; to Sony owning; "Concord - the biggest over-budget flop in gaming history" title.
It highlights how Firewalks' Studio (FS) devs decoupled its non-creative work from accountability, enabling a cycle where games are treated as products first and art or entertainment last.
FS operated under the assumption that players will buy in anyway, it undermines trust & its exploitative.
"pushing back against the idea that the Concord "was the greatest flop of all time. I don't feel it deserves that. I think gamers missed out"
Wow! Delusional/elitism much?!
The - "I don't feel it deserves that. I think gamers missed out"... in the face of a clear failure, is deeply revealing & super disturbing.
This mindset reflects a dangerous disconnect; a refusal to accept feedback, a dismissal of player experience, & a reversal of accountability. It disturbingly frames failure not as a result of design flaws, overly political, poor execution, or misaligned expectations, but as a failure on the audience's part; as if players owe the game reverence simply because effort was put into it.
This kind of thinking is super problematic because it ignores the player's perspective; this disturbed mindset from FS is saying; "We had a vision... so, players should excuse Concord's heavy politics, poor usability, bugs, lack of fun, or unmet expectations." I mean... who thinks like that?!
Saying "gamers missed out" implies that criticism stems from ignorance rather than legitimate disappointment; it treats players like an audience that should be grateful, not respected as customers & collaborators in the experience; the sick mindset that devs matter more than its players/supporters/stakeholders; instead of reflecting, they will repeat the same mistakes.
Saying "gamers missed out" is not FS comfort zone or safety net; it's just disturbing deflection.
Knowing a mindset like this; what decent publisher would desire & risk a mindset like this on their team? 🤔
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