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After its launch last August 23, PlayStation has announced in its latest blog that Firewalk Studios’ Concord will now shut down moving forward after receiving feedback from various players, critics, and fans amidst its poor launch week that proved to be a disappointment from a game that was eight years in the making.

The competitive gaming scene has been quite on a buzz after the recent announcement by PlayStation. Concord did not even last more than two weeks on the market and was said to be quite a bust for many as it failed to sell the estimated copies and even come up with a promising tally on players despite having 2,300 gamers present in its beta launch.

This shutdown by Concord marks the worst entertainment launch of all time. Many critics are even calling the PlayStation title the worst game since the 2023 flop The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, which was criticized for its lack of unique game features that eventually led to its downfall.

Pulling the Plug

Concord was hyped to be one of the up-and-coming competitive esports titles of 2024, only to come up short with a poor performance in its launch week, not being able to sell more than 25,000 estimated copies while also having a all-time peak of 697 players on Steam. In the end, PlayStation went on to pursue the inevitable – a total shutdown of the hero shooter game.

“We have decided to take the game offline beginning September 6, 2024, and explore options, including those that will better reach our players,” says Concord game director Ryan Ellis in a PlayStation blog post. “While we determine the best path ahead, Concord sales will cease immediately and we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased the game for PS5 or PC.”

Concord was first announced in the PlayStation Showcase back in May 2023 with a CGI trailer. The game would go on to release a beta in July 2024, only to meet underwhelming player numbers with the most accurate estimate at 2,300 players. In retrospect, it did receive promising scores from game reviewers, but many factors played out to affect the game’s overall performance in the market in the long run.

Failing to Thrive in the Market

As said above, Concord managed to bring a peak of 697 concurrent players on Steam – which is even lower than the game’s beta phase and a disappointing number for a major release. Many critics believe that it was the game’s lack of a unique selling point that proved to be a major reason why it failed to thrive in the market where it had to go up against the likes of Fortnite and Overwatch in the hero shooter genre.

On top of that, some even blamed the expensive price tag that PlayStation put for the game, which is set at $40. Considering the fact that both Overwatch and Fortnite are free-to-play titles, it is worth noting that Concord made a poor decision to come up with the way they released the game in such a competitive market.

This ending for one of the hyped games of 2024 is quite a disappointment. However, it does serve as a promising learning point for many developers and publishers in the long run, what not to do in coming up with a title that is in the hero shooter genre.

It seems that the upset stories aren’t finished just yet as Taylor Fritz just added one more to the list after he defeated Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal of the US Open in four sets, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3), which helped him reach his first-ever semifinals in any tennis major. Now he is slated to continue a promising campaign on his home soil in front of American fans.

Zverev, who just clinched his 450th tour-level win and a slot at the ATP Finals by the end of the Tour, was left disappointed with a tough break after he failed to claw back in the final two sets of the match which led to his loss. On the other side, Fritz claims his landmark moment in the US Open, and he can definitely cap off that run with a massive battle in the semis, where he is set to face fellow American Frances Tiafoe.

Fritz held his ground in his game against Zverev, which lasted for three hours and 26 minutes. However, Fritz’s consistent performance under pressure proved to be a crucial factor that led him to pull off a massive victory, adding to the huge upsets that featured losses from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the earlier rounds.

A Massive Battle to Remember

Heading into the US Open, Fritz was 0-4 in his last-eight matches at Grand Slam events, which proved to be a pivotal factor in his chances of winning. He stuck to the fundamentals and kept his cool for the crucial moments of the game, leading to the promising victory against one of the best performers in recent majors in Zverev.

“I feel amazing,” Fritz said of the big showdown that he pulled off against Zverev. “I’ve had a lot of looks at quarter-finals in the past couple of years, and today just felt different. I really feel that it was my time to take a step further and it’s only fitting I’m doing it here on this court at the US Open in front of this crowd.”

Fans at the Arthur Ashe Stadium were stunned by the impressive performances from the two stars. Fritz went on to tally a total of 13 break points to counter Zverev’s massive service game, and he even converted two of those breaks to secure the victory against the German star.

Continued Development in the Game

Fritz was the aggressor for most of the game, and he kept his composure in the game with an impressive first-serve, where he won 81% of those points. So far, he forced Zverev to come up with a lot of forehand errors, and he even delivered a promising smash to close out the final deuce in the closing set of the game.

“I’ve worked on adding so much to my game. I feel like my forehand and backhand have kind of always been there, but I’m trying to come to the net a little bit, trying to mix in some drop shots, just trying to add stuff to my game so I can back up my serve in better.”

In this victory, Fritz now seeks to become the first American player to reach a major championship match ever since Andy Roddick pulled off a massive run in the 2009 edition of Wimbledon. Fritz also levels his head-to-head series with Zverev at 5-5 while also building a 16-3 record in all 2024 Majors.

The owners of Palms Casino Resort and Bally's Corp have just made their strategic partnership public, and it will allow members of the Bally Rewards program to earn points and redeem them in Palms Las Vegas. This partnership comes after Bally’s will no longer have a partner in Las Vegas after the Tropicana is set to be demolished.

Bally's Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with the Palms Casino Resort, offering the members of Bally Rewards a unique opportunity to earn points and redeem them in Las Vegas. This collaboration marks a significant shift for Bally's, which no longer has a casino presence in the city following the closure of the iconic Tropicana earlier this year.

A new era for Bally Rewards

As of April 2, there has no longer been a casino in Vegas associated with Bally’s after it closed down the historic Tropicana, a Rat Pack-era casino and hotel that had been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip for decades. The Tropicana is slated for demolition next month, leaving Bally's without a direct presence in the city. However, the company has swiftly moved to ensure its loyalty members continue to have access to Sin City's attractions.

The partnership with the Palms Casino Resort, located off the Strip, provides Bally Rewards members with an alternative destination in Las Vegas. Starting immediately, Bally Bucks - the loyalty points earned by Bally's players - can be redeemed at the Palms. This move not only keeps Bally's connected to Las Vegas but also offers its members a fresh experience at one of the city's unique gaming resorts.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Palms in Las Vegas for this exciting venture. Our goal is to provide our Bally Rewards members with unparalleled rewards and experiences, and this partnership with the Palms is a significant step toward achieving that," said Mike Donovan, the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Gaming at Bally's.

Expanding Bally's footprint

Bally's Corporation manages 16 on-site casinos across 10 states in the US, and it is currently undertaking its largest project - a $2 billion integrated resort casino in Chicago. Despite the closure of the Tropicana, Bally's continues to expand, and this partnership with the Palms represents a key element of its growth strategy.

The Palms Casino Resort, now owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, was acquired from Red Rock Resorts in 2021 to the tune of $650 million. The California-based Native American tribe, known for operating the successful Yaamava' Resort & Casino in California, has brought new life to the Palms, making it an appealing venue for Bally's members.

Cross-marketing synergy

The Bally Rewards program is a multi-tiered system with four levels. Members earn their share of Bally Bucks through slot machine play, table games, and sports betting at Bally's casinos across the country. Higher-tier members enjoy additional perks, including complimentary stays and gaming credits at designated properties.

The Palms Casino Resort now joins Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, Bally's Lake Tahoe, and Bally's Atlantic City as a destination where Bally Rewards members can redeem their points. This cross-marketing partnership enhances the gaming experience for guests at both Bally's and the Palms through exclusive annual trips, tier matching, and tournament invitations.

"We're pleased to welcome Bally Rewards members to Palms Casino Resort and provide an exciting Las Vegas experience," said Greg Shulman, the Palms' VP of Casino Marketing. He added that partnering with Bally's Corporation allows the Palms to explore new opportunities and, in turn, introduce Palms hospitality to Bally's members.

The Palms: a storied legacy

The Palms Casino Resort has a rich history in Las Vegas. Originally developed by the Maloofs, the resort launched in November of 2001 and quickly became a popular destination. However, the financial downturn during the Great Recession led to the property's sale to two private equity companies. Red Rock Resorts then acquired the Palms for $312.5 million in 2016 and invested an additional $620 million in upgrades to restore its prominence.

Despite these efforts, the Palms struggled to regain its foothold in the competitive Las Vegas market. The acquisition by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians marked a historic moment as the first time a Native American tribe took full and complete ownership of a casino resort in Las Vegas.

In a recent study conducted by the American Gaming Association, it was found that more Americans are changing their mindset about gambling and gambling-related activities such as sports betting. 65% of non-gambling Americans now see gambling as a responsible gaming activity and accept it as a form of entertainment, while 81% of American casino players believe the sector is behaving more responsibly.

As the NFL season kicks off and Responsible Gaming Education Month begins, a new study by the American Gaming Association reveals that Americans are now seeing the gambling industry in a more positive light than ever before. The study, conducted by Kantar on behalf of the AGA, highlights a growing acceptance of casino gaming and sports betting as mainstream forms of entertainment, while also recognizing the industry's efforts toward responsible gaming.

One of the key findings of the study is that 75% believe the gaming sector behaves in a responsible manner in the regions where it runs. This perception has significantly improved over the years, especially regarding the industry's stance toward responsible gaming and addressing problem gambling. According to the survey, 65% of Americans are satisfied with the industry's efforts in this area, a notable increase from 55% in 2023. Back in 2018, under 40% of Americans shared this positive view, showing the substantial progress the industry has made in public perception.

Increased acceptance among casino players and sports bettors

The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults over 21 between July 31 and August 9, found that this positive perception is even more pronounced among those who actively participate in gambling. Among casino players, 81% believe the industry behaves responsibly, up from 70% last year. Sports bettors share a similar sentiment, with 88% expressing confidence in the industry's responsibility, compared to 78% the previous year.

These numbers reflect a wider trend of increasing trust and satisfaction among those who engage with the gaming industry firsthand. As legal, regulated gaming continues to expand across the United States, more Americans are recognizing the benefits of a well-regulated marketplace that prioritizes responsible gaming practices.

Gambling participation and acceptance on the rise

The study also sheds light on the renewed prevalence of gambling in American society. More than half (55%) of adults reported participating in some type of gambling in the last year, reflecting the ongoing acceptance of gambling as a legitimate and enjoyable pastime. Moreover, almost 88% find casino gambling online acceptable, either for themselves or other people, indicating a growing comfort with digital gaming platforms.

The increased acceptance of gambling, particularly online, accentuates the importance of the industry's continued focus on responsible gaming. As more Americans embrace these activities, the need for robust protections and education around responsible gaming practices becomes even more critical.

Positive economic impact of the gaming industry

The AGA study also highlights the significant economic contributions of the gaming industry. Over 76% of people in the US believe that the gaming sector has a positive influence on the US economy. This sentiment is mirrored in local communities, with over three-quarters of respondents crediting the industry for its contributions to job creation, local economies, and the tourism sector.

Joe Maloney, Senior VP of Strategic Communications at the AGA, emphasized the importance of a regulated gaming marketplace in fostering these positive perceptions. "These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility, and provides unmatched entertainment," Maloney said.

The study's findings underscore the growing acceptance of the gaming industry as a responsible and beneficial force in American society. As the industry and other related sectors continue to grow and evolve, its commitment to responsible gaming, economic contributions, and providing high-quality entertainment will remain key factors in maintaining and enhancing the public's trust.

Amidst all the impressive progress that the various teams in the league have done to upgrade their respective rosters, it seems that the Kansas City Chiefs have one more trick up their sleeve to come up with a promising push in the 2024 NFL season as they have a rookie in Kingsley Suamataia to start as the team’s left tackle.

Selected in the second round in the recent NFL Draft, Suamataia enters the season as a promising prospect for the Chiefs as they hope to place him alongside Patrick Mahomes’ blindside in the season opener. It does seem that the team has some impressive trust on the rookie to begin this campaign.

The Chiefs have become fixated on improving the offensive end that they have now opted to give Mahomes with more options on the attack by adding Suamataia, who will start as the left tackle for the team now more than ever. Kansas City will take on the Baltimore Ravens – one of their heaviest rivals in the game – to begin the 2024 season and will even headline the first game of the season.

A Promising Addition

Suamataia entered the team’s training camp when Wanya Morris had to deal with several injuries – and later had to exit the team’s final preseason game with an injury. Head coach Andy Reid noted that Morris will be back in the coming games, but cleared that Suamataia is slated to begin the first week of NFL action.

"He had a good training camp," coach Andy Reid said. "He had a good preseason, but this is going to be a learning experience for him here. This is a good defensive line, and he's going to -- I'm sure there will be some ups and downs as he goes like any young player has. He's prepared himself, and it's time to go play now."

If things go as planned, Suamataia is expected to be the fourth left tackle who will start in the opening day beside Mahomes for the last four years since becoming the team’s lead QB. Suamataia joins the likes of Eric Fisher (2018-20), Orlando Brown (2021-22), and Donovan Smith (2023). At the age of 21, it does seem that Suamataia will definitely bring some impressive boost to the team’s chances of winning against one of their rivals.

Earning Mahomes’ Trust

Mahomes has seen some different names in his left tackle slot, and it is worth noting that he trusted all of them well to come up with defending his side and even providing him with impressive options down the stretch. For the star QB, however, it seems that there are a lot of potential that he can expect from the rookie.

"He has the confidence. He's going out there, and he's enjoying the moment," Mahomes said of Suamataia. "He's practicing hard. He's learning from the guys beside him. This is, like we said, probably the best defense in the league other than ours, so it's just going out there and competing against the best of the best Week 1. He's going to get kind of introduced fast. I'm excited for him to accept the challenge and see where he's at, but he did a great job in the preseason. He did a great job in training camp, and I'm excited for him to go out there and accept that next challenge."

Of course, the task will never be easy for Suamataia at this point. He has to block out the best Baltimore pash rushers, and one can even say that there is going to be a lot impressive action coming up with the rookie in the spotlight now more than ever.

Davis Bertans was one of the impressive players in the roster of the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, and it is no secret that he provided the team with impressive shooting off the bench. Later traded to the Charlotte Hornets, the Latvian Laser now moves on to take his time and work out for the Golden State Warriors in the coming season.

Currently a free agent, it means that Davis Bertans is eligible to come up with a signing with any team that will offer him a promising deal to his liking. He did have a splendid season with the two teams he played with in the 2023-24 season, but now it does seem that he is keen to deliver his shooting talents to the Golden State Warriors, which can actually make use of his talents at this point.

The Warriors are in a rebuild mode right now following the departure of Klay Thompson and the trade of Chris Paul. While Stephen Curry is slated to return to the team for three more years, it can be said that any other firepower should be well-anticipated by the Warriors to improve their case for a championship after falling short in their campaign last year.

A Potential Veteran Addition

Davis Bertans is one of the most decorated players in the NBA in terms of playing experience. Aside from his stints with the Hornets and the Thunder, the Latvian big man also played for the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Mavericks over the course of eight seasons.

In that span, Bertans averaged a 7.7 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 42.2% from the field and a promising 39.6% from three in a total of 475 games. He has also played in 45 NBA playoff games with the Spurs, Mavericks, and Wizards. His experience is quite a valuable addition to Golden State’s crop of youngsters, which should definitely be a promising boost to their chances.

At the age of 31, Bertans brings in a great dynamic for the Warriors. The team has lost one of its sharp shooters in Thompson, and while Bertans may not be a great shooter compared to Thompson, having him in the rotation still means a lot for the team as they get to add a reliable scorer off the bench when needed.

Another Shooting Big

The Warriors are known well for establishing the dynamic of three-point shooting over the years, and it cannot be denied that the team has kept the same identity at this point in time. Bertans has always been an elite shooter from three, and Golden State can definitely be a huge landing spot for the Latvian forward if they can agree to terms.

The Warriors have a total of 15 players currently on-contract in its official roster, but three of these players have currently a partially guaranteed or non-guaranteed deals. Bertans can be a promising addition to the team considering that he will be another big man who can also space the floor and shoot the ball much like Dario Saric, who has seen some impressive minutes with the Warriors last season.

So far, it is easy to say that Bertans will be a great player to add to the Warriors’ roster, and it is also expected that the Latvian will be joining the team anytime soon.

Alexander Zverev has been definitely on the fiery end of the tennis court every time – especially in the US Open at this point as he just surged for his 450th win while also beating Brandon Nakashima in the quarterfinal. But what proved to be different for the star was the fact that he has already managed to deliver his big game on the next big stage, the ATP Finals.

The German star went on to beat Nakashima in a promising 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory, and it took a two-hour, 38-minute showdown for him to book his ticket to the quarterfinal of the US Open, his fourth time in his career. As the no. 4 seed, it was definitely expected, and no one can deny the fact that there are a lot of talks as to how he is slated to deliver a promising victory at this point.

"I was extremely defensive at the beginning of the match and Brandon used it very well and played an awesome set," Zverev said. "I knew that I had to step up my game and take the ball on the rise more and I did well today and I am happy to be back in the quarter-finals."

Zverev is definitely eager to come up with a massive battle in the games, and some even say that this is really a chance for the German star to cap off an amazing year where he has already managed to deliver a promising finish – all yet without a title and a major win on the other side. But perhaps the ATP Finals can be his piece of cake now soon.

Chasing the 450th Win

Zverev improved to 3-0 in his head-to-head series with the Next Gen ATP Finals winner Nakashima, and now is slated for a showdown against Taylor Fritz tomorrow in the quarterfinals. That victory against Nakashima was a promising performance, and it does seem able to induce some confidence on the victories that Zverev needed in this season so far.

"I am expecting a tough battle," said Zverev on facing Fritz, who beat the German at Wimbledon. "Every time I play Taylor it is a tough battle and I am expecting nothing less and hopefully it will be entertaining."

Zverev is seeking his second title of the season, as he only clinched his lone title in the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome. As of the time of writing, Zverev is also leading the league in total wins at 56, and is second in the ATP Race to Turin behind Jannik Sinner.

Return of the Champ

Zverev returns to the ATP Finals as a two-time champion in the competition. The German star and Novak Djokovic are the only two stars who have ever managed to win the ATP Finals more than once, with Zverev defeating Djokovic in the 2018 edition to win his first title in the tournament.

It is also worth noting that Zverev boasts a promising record of 14-9 in the ATP Finals, he has been in the semis three times on the big stage, with his first performance in 2019 being a semis berth. He is also the second singles player to qualify for this year’s edition, joining Sinner while the likes of Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic and Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos have qualified in doubles to add a promising touch in the competition.