The new first-person shooter game Concord, developed by Sony and designed for up to ten players per match, initially promised a fast-paced and engaging online experience. However, it has stumbled across some issues that have led to frustration among players, particularly concerning the time it takes to find a match. This guide explores matchmaking times across different playlists, evaluates the game’s challenges, and discusses possible improvements.
At the heart of the problem is the game's player base, which is smaller than expected. Available data suggests that Concord sold approximately 25,000 copies, and concurrent player numbers on Steam are reported to be only in the hundreds. This low number of active players naturally leads to longer waiting times for games, especially in less popular game modes.
For testing purposes, we checked matchmaking times on a Sunday afternoon in the UK, which corresponds to early morning in major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles. We found the following average times across Concord’s main playlists with crossplay enabled:
- Brawl mode: Approximately 1 minute and 1 second
- Overrun mode: Roughly 58 seconds
- Rivalry mode: About 8 minutes and 18 seconds
While modes like Brawl and Overrun have relatively acceptable wait times of around one minute, Rivalry mode takes significantly longer, hitting over eight minutes which could be seen as impractical by many players. Moreover, during one of the tests in Rivalry mode, the server even timed out, indicating potential server performance issues.
Such long wait times in Rivalry mode could be seen as unplayable by today’s standards where quick access to game content is highly valued. For comparative purposes, games like Fortnite, which supports 100 player battles, have faster setup times and this discrepancy in wait times can divert players to other games presenting instant gameplay.
The developers and Sony need to address these concerns to enhance player experience and sustain the game’s health. One immediate solution could be hosting free play weekends or integrating the game into subscription services like PS Plus to boost player numbers transiently. Alternatively, introducing bots into lesser-played modes could temporarily resolve long waits, helping players get into action faster.
Long matchmaking times can significantly impact players' perception of a game, influencing whether they stick with the game or abandon it for alternatives with faster access. Waiting eight minutes for a match is not aligned with current gaming standards, where immediacy is valued.
Given the competitive nature of online multiplayer titles where player retention is key, Concord’s future may depend heavily on how swiftly adaptive measures are taken. The incorporation of bots, a strategy used by older games during off-peak times or lower player counts, might provide a temporary bandage. However, for a long-term solution, boosting the player base through marketing strategies, community engagement, and perhaps content updates will be essential.
The situation around Concord’s matchmaking is a representative challenge in the lifecycle of many online multiplayer games. It illustrates the delicate balance between maintaining a large enough player base for quick matchmaking and providing a satisfying game experience that keeps players returning. The developers must continuously evaluate player feedback and game data to iterate and improve, turning potential failures into stepping stones for success. The coming weeks will be crucial for Concord as the developers navigate these hurdles and enhance the game's overall appeal to both current and potential new players.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
