Concord Reveals Extensive Accessibility Options

Highlights

• Concord prioritizes inclusivity with a wide array of accessibility features, from customizable controls to visual aids.
• Firewalk Studios hosted an open beta for Concord on PC and PS5, with positive feedback.
• Concord’s unique monetization strategy includes a $40 upfront purchase and in-game cosmetics, setting it apart from competitors.

Concord reveals extensive accessibility options ahead of its August 23 launch, exclusively for PC and PlayStation 5. While the game has faced early unfavorable comparisons to Overwatch, the developers are striving to distinguish Concord by prioritizing inclusivity. The game offers a wide array of accessibility features designed to accommodate players with diverse needs, from customizable controls to visual and auditory aids.

Developed by Firewalk Studios, Concord is a multiplayer first-person shooter and part of the company’s live-service initiative. Last month, the developer hosted Concord‘s open beta, giving players who pre-ordered on PC and PS5 an early opportunity to experience the game. While the PlayStation 5 player count remains unspecified, the peak player count on Steam reached just over 2,300 during the weekend. Despite this, feedback from those who participated in the beta was reportedly positive.

With Concord‘s release approaching, the game has revealed a comprehensive suite of accessibility features designed to enhance the gaming experience for all players. Notable features include a ping system that allows players to mark locations on the map, which is complemented by visual icons, directional vibrations, and character voiceovers for better team communication. Additionally, the game includes a repeatable training experience to help players learn and refine the core mechanics of Concord. In-game menus provide detailed instructions, and character designs, such as Lark and Jabali, feature abilities that cater to players who may experience motor barriers, ensuring that the game remains engaging and accessible.

More Concord Accessibility Options

In addition to these core gameplay features, Concord offers extensive customization options to further tailor the experience to individual needs. These include adjustable control settings, such as stick sensitivity and customizable input bindings, alongside accessibility-specific options like auto-move and camera recentering. The game also provides robust settings for visual and auditory elements, allowing players to adjust everything from HUD scaling and text size to vibration patterns and color schemes, ensuring that the game is both playable and enjoyable for a wide range of players.

Looking ahead, Concord‘s developers have committed to ongoing improvements in accessibility beyond the initial launch. They plan to introduce additional features and refinements based on player feedback, encouraging the community to share their experiences and suggestions. While it remains to be seen how the game will be received upon launch, it is notable that Concord‘s developers have already outlined a post-launch roadmap and content plans.

Additionally, Concord‘s monetization strategy differs from its closest competitors, such as Overwatch and Valorant. Unlike these games, Concord is not free-to-play but requires a $40 upfront purchase, with additional costs limited to in-game cosmetics. It will be interesting to observe how this unique monetization approach impacts the game’s reception and success.