Iconic Video Game Plaque from Concord Development Team Goes Up for Auction
A commemorative plaque dedicated to the development team behind the much-discussed game Concord is currently available for auction at a Goodwill store in the U.S. This unique piece not only celebrates the game’s release but also embodies the effort and creativity that went into its making.
The plaque is particularly notable as it bears the name of Chelsea Grace, a recognized member of the art department at Firewalk Studios, the developer of Concord. It states, “Founding Freegunner, Northstar Crew, Worldwide Concord Launch, August 23, 2024.†This art piece includes game artwork as well as a game disc, making it a collectible for gaming enthusiasts.
What Happened to Concord?
Released in late August 2024, Concord quickly sparked both interest and controversy in the gaming community. Just two weeks after its launch, Sony announced plans to take the game offline and pull it from sale, citing disappointing player reception as the driving factor. They also offered refunds to all players who made purchases. As of now, the auctioned plaque has received 34 bids and is currently sitting at an impressive $2,526.
The decision to cease sales of Concord raised questions about its future. According to PlayStation Studios CEO Hermen Hulst, the company was initially open to the idea of revising the game. However, plans to move forward were scrapped, and the developer, Firewalk Studios, was ultimately shut down. Firewalk, which was founded in 2018 and acquired by Sony in 2023, had dedicated nearly eight years to developing Concord.
A Rare Collectible
It’s still unclear whether Chelsea Grace personally donated her plaque or if it was obtained through other means. This ambiguity adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating story. The plaque symbolizes a lost moment in the gaming landscapeâ€â€a token of a project that aspired to great heights but faced a tumultuous journey.
Goodwill, known for its diverse range of items, runs more than 150 organizations across the U.S. and Canada. The auction is being conducted by the Goodwill branch of the Olympics and Rainier Region, which encompasses areas around Tacoma and Longview, Washington. If you’re interested in coffering a piece of gaming history, this could be your chance.
What Went Wrong with Concord?
Although it debuted with high hopes, Concord received mixed reviews from critics. Its Metacritic scores stand at 62 for the PlayStation 5 and 65 for PC, raising eyebrows about the game’s design and execution. Reports suggest that sales might have struggled as low as 25,000 copies.
The closure of Firewalk Studios marked a significant shift, as the studio was seen as a promising addition to Sony’s lineup. With the gaming community eager to see new talent emerge, many are left pondering what the future holds not just for Concord but for the developers who poured their hearts into it.
Conclusion
The auction of Chelsea Grace’s Concord plaque serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in game development. It highlights both the triumphs and challenges faced by teams creating immersive experiences for players. As this plaque finds a new home, it encapsulates a moment in gaming history that is both significant and tragicâ€â€a true relic for any serious gaming aficionado.
For anyone interested in exploring more about gaming and its development, check out our articles on the evolution of video game design and what it means to be part of a development team.