Defunct Sony video game Concord has permanently shut down, yet collectors continue to bid upwards of $3,000 for its commemorative plaque at auction.
In a remarkable twist of events, a commemorative plaque originally awarded to Chelsea Grace, an outsourcing and co-development lead at Firewalk Studios, is currently gaining significant attention at auction. The "Chelsea Grace Founding Concord PS5 Freegunner Wall Hanging Plaque" has surpassed $3,000 in bids, showcasing an intense curiosity among collectors.
This plaque naturally stands out due to its association with the infamously short-lived hero shooter, Concord, developed by Firewalk Studios and published by Sony. The game, which launched worldwide on August 23, 2024, was unfortunately one of PlayStation's most notorious flops, with disappointingly low player numbers leading to its closure just two weeks after launch.
The plaque, adorned with Concord's key art and a PS5 game disc, commemorates Grace's status as a "Founding Freegunner" of the "Northstar Crew," a designation bestowed upon her by the studio for her role in the game's first playable character group at its launch. In good condition, aside from a dusty appearance, this unique memento from a doomed project serves as a poignant symbol of the effort and optimism that went into the game's launch.
This particular plaque found its way to Goodwill for auction in 2025, generating widespread media attention. While its origins are unclear, it is not uncommon for developers to donate such memorabilia to distance themselves from failed projects or as a gesture of moving on. The auction is live until June 3, with the current high bid surpassing $3,000, with all proceeds benefiting Goodwill's charitable programs.
Meanwhile, Sony continues to expand its live service army, with PlayStation Studios announcing a new developer creating a "team-based action game" targeting years of support. This move showcases a commitment to further explore the live service sector, offering a contrasting narrative to the swift demise of Concord.
For those interested in gaming history, this plaque's journey from a commemorative token to a highly sought-after auction item encapsulates both the highs and lows of the industry, offering a glimpse into the lasting impact of failed ventures.
- The commemorative plaque to Chelsea Grace, a gaming industry figure, is generating intense interest among collectors for its association with the failed hero shooter game Concord.
- The Concord game, developed by Firewalk Studios and published by Sony, was one of PlayStation's most notorious flops, closing down just two weeks after its August 2024 launch.
- The plaque, featuring Concord's key art and a PS5 game disc, honors Grace's role as a "Founding Freegunner" of the Northstar Crew, the first playable character group in the game at its launch.
- Despite the plaque's dusty appearance, it is in good condition and serves as a poignant symbol of the effort and optimism that went into Concord's launch, now considered a doomed project.
- With the current high bid surpassing $3,000, the auction of this unique gaming memorabilia benefits Goodwill's charitable programs, hinting at the potential value of failed ventures in the gaming industry.
- Meanwhile, Sony, determined to learn from failures like Concord, continues to expand its live service games, backing a new developer creating a team-based action game, aiming for years of support and a contrasting narrative in the live service sector.
