Sony's Astro Bot Recipe So Far Is Looking For

PS5 DualSense controllers are an important part of Astro Bot's experience, which is pulsating and pleasing as players advance to new level (IST).

JAKARTA - Earlier this week, Sony's company announced it would withdraw Concord - one of its newest major games - from sales after receiving poor responses from critics and players.

The online shooting game is the latest effort to attract attention to master the so-called "direct service" market dominated by games such as Fortnite and Apex Legends that have failed to attract large audiences.

However, in a quiet year for the release of the first-party PlayStation, Astro Bot has received some of the highest review scores in 2024 and some critics say the game has been one of Sony's best for centuries.

In essence, this game is an old 3D platformer full of 30-year PlayStation history references. The main goal of this game is to save 300 Astro Bots hidden on various themed levels, with about half wearing cosplay to resemble the character of the previous console.

However, in addition to being a reminder of the nostalgia for Sony's great success, can this game also be a lesson for the company's future?

Sony now hopes Astro Bot's brilliant welcome produces huge sales, but Concord's quick fall comparison has already begun. The game also highlights the characters that Sony can revive, and has prompted some to question whether the company will shift its focus recently to the live service market.

Hermen Hulst, one of the two new CEOs in charge of Sony's gaming division, told the BBC that Astro Bot will be an important part of Sony's portfolio.

"It is very important for us to offer various kinds of titles to our community" and that "Astro Bot fills important parts of our portfolio", Hulst said.

He praised the Asobi Team for creating "something special that is light and liked" with "a very fun gameplay". Astro Bot is also a "good opportunity for families to play games together", he said.

Nicolas chose not to comment on the Concord situation or bigger strategic steps, but he agreed with his boss that Astro Bot had provided PS5 a game that could "trade generations".