The Legacy of Concord Lives On in *Secret Level*
This December, viewers of the Amazon animated anthology series *Secret Level* might find themselves puzzled by an episode inspired by the now-defunct game Concord. However, director Tim Miller clarifies that this installment represents “the remaining vestige of that product.”
Concord’s Brief Existence
Concord, a live-service shooter backed by Sony, experienced a swift demise shortly after its launch, disappearing just two weeks due to lackluster player engagement and dwindling user numbers. Despite its short-lived nature, Miller and his team have chosen to keep the episode centered on Concord within the *Secret Level* lineup—a 15-episode series dedicated to showcasing both thriving and abandoned video game universes.
A Thoughtful Decision Amidst an Early Shutdown
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Miller elaborated that the production of the Concord episode was well underway before the game’s servers were shut down. Despite the seemingly strange decision to feature an episode about a game that no longer exists, Miller stands by it. He remarked, “I don’t feel bad that it’s a part of the show. I think it’s an episode that turned out really well, and you can kind of see the potential of this world and the characters.”
A Tribute to Developers
Miller expresses hope that the Concord episode acts as a consolation for the passionate developers at Firewalk Studios. He stated, “If it’s the remaining vestige of that product, I hope the developers feel that it’s in some way worthy, just a little bit, of the blood, sweat, and tears they put into it.” This sentiment underscores the often-unseen challenges faced during game development.
Reflecting on Game Culture
The inclusion of Concord serves as a poignant reminder of the industry’s harsh realities. Miller highlighted the irony of launching an episode based on an already expired game, likening it to other iconic franchises like Mega Man and Unreal Tournament. He pointed out that, despite lacking recent titles, these franchises still resonate culturally, stating, “It’s kind of the same thing.”
Final Impressions
Ultimately, the Concord episode of *Secret Level* serves as a bittersweet goodbye, encapsulating what might have been for a game that never fully reached its potential. Whether this episode reignites interest in Concord or fades into obscurity, it will endure as a small token in the anthology, reminding audiences of the transient nature of gaming worlds.
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