The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with developers and publishers seeking innovative ways to engage players and promote their games. Sony, known for its cutting-edge marketing strategies, is no stranger to this trend. Their latest venture — a heroic shooter game named Concord for the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PC platforms — is drawing attention not just for its gameplay but for its ambitious promotional tactics.
Sony's marketing campaign for Concord is expansive, encompassing various multimedia elements including a recent unique animated short. This animated short, showcased on the official PlayStation YouTube channel, is designed to offer players a deeper understanding of the game's narrative and characters. The featured characters — Teo, Jabali, and It-Z — are part of a group known as Freegunners, who embark on high-risk missions in the game universe.
The initiative to produce such animated content was highlighted by Bethany Hulse, the Community Development Lead at PlayStation, in a blog post. She shared plans for a new series intended to expand upon the in-game world of Concord. According to Hulse, “As we look ahead to our launch in August, we’re excited to further unpack our launch roster of 16 playable Freegunners, including a limited animated series called Concord Freegunner Adventures. The first episode titled 'Crew First' is now available, featuring Teo, Jabali, and It-Z as they undertake a dangerous job and confront a rival crew.”
This animated episode not only entertains but also serves as a prelude to understanding the complex relationships and backstories of the characters players will encounter or control within the game. Such depth is particularly engaging for the audience, making them feel connected and invested in the characters' fates and the game's overarching storyline.
Apart from these animated shorts, the developer of Concord, Firewalk, plans to release a series of character-centric videos. These videos aim to provide insights into each character's unique abilities and gear, enhancing player knowledge and strategy planning. These trailers, just like the animated episodes, will be accessible on PlayStation’s official YouTube channel, ensuring they reach a wide audience.
