Firewalk Studios has introduced the sudden closure of reside service recreation Harmony, simply two weeks after it launched. The sport will probably be despatched offline on 6 September, and all gamers who bought it is going to be refunded. Whereas the group has promised to “discover choices” for the sport to “higher attain [its] gamers,” the long run for Harmony now appears a lot darker.
Whereas the sport debuted with a flashy trailer in a 2023 PlayStation Showcase, it did not make a right away impression. On social media, there have been questions concerning the determination to make use of a largely cinematic to introduce its story and character, given it was a reside service recreation with solely gentle story parts. Some known as it a Guardians of the Galaxy clone, whereas others instantly in contrast it unfavourably to Overwatch.
When the sport’s beta launched in mid-2024, reception was equally lukewarm. Gamers who did leap in famous low participant counts and curiosity, and whereas there have been many who wished to see it succeed, impressed by its neat theming and stable gameplay, it seems its core viewers was by no means discovered. On launch, early experiences alleged the sport had solely bought round 25,000 copies – far off the quantity required to justify its improvement and upkeep prices.
This quantity was by no means confirmed by Firewalk Studios, however given the sport is now being taken offline, we are able to assume gross sales disillusioned the studio. It’s extremely uncommon {that a} recreation is instantly pulled on this trend, and notably a AAA-production like this.
Learn: Harmony’s post-launch roadmap contains new Freegunners, maps, modes
Per Firewalk Studios, whereas some parts of the sport “resonated with gamers” there have been “different elements of the sport and [its] preliminary launch [that] didn’t land the best way [the studio] meant.” It has thanked the gamers who did leap in and “be a part of the journey aboard the Northstar” no matter these challenges.
The truth is that making a brand new reside service recreation in 2024 is a troublesome proposition. The market is already crowded with reside service opponents, and every calls for a big time funding from gamers. Most additionally demand some kind of financial funding, whether or not on launch, or via the arrival of latest seasonal content material.
There’s solely a lot time, and a lot cash accessible to gamers – and never each new reside service recreation will be the following “huge factor.” Whereas Harmony appeared to have the chops to make an influence on the scene, phrase of mouth was not sufficient to beat participant perceptions, or these necessities of money and time.
For now, the way forward for Harmony stays unclear. Firewalk Studios has promised to maintain followers up to date on improvement progress, as potential new pathways are explored – however for now, it’s finest to maintain expectations in test. Harmony had promise, however it is going to take a hefty quantity of labor to revamp it considerably sufficient to draw a much-needed, much-larger participant base.
