### The Surprising Emergence of *Concord* as a Collector’s Treasure
In an unexpected twist, Sony’s multiplayer shooter *Concord* has transformed into a highly sought-after gem in the gaming collectibles arena. Although the game was pulled from circulation merely two weeks post-launch, physical versions of *Concord* for the PlayStation 5 have experienced a dramatic increase in value, with some listings commanding upwards of $500 on eBay. This swift price escalation has converted a once $40 title into a coveted collector’s piece, prompting inquiries into the reasons behind this trend and its possible sustainability.
#### The Abrupt Termination of *Concord*
*Concord* debuted quietly, and its brief presence on the PlayStation 5 and PC seemed to fade from the minds of gamers. By early September 2024, Sony opted to deactivate the game’s servers, pointing to lackluster player interest and disappointing sales figures. GameDiscoverCo analyst Simon Carless estimated that the game sold roughly 25,000 units across both platforms, with most purchases likely being digital downloads.
Due to the game’s exclusive online mode, the physical disc of *Concord* effectively lost its value once the servers were taken down. Nevertheless, this did not deter collectors and investors from flocking to eBay to procure the remaining copies, escalating prices to unforeseen levels.
#### The Collector’s Phenomenon
An examination of nearly 300 eBay listings from September 3 to September 8, 2024, indicated that fresh copies of *Concord* were being sold at a median price of $100, with some reaching as high as $118. This marks a considerable increase from the $40 retail price at which the game was initially available just a week earlier. By September 8, prices had approximately stabilized around $110, yet the demand for this newly-rare physical edition remained robust.
The surge in price is chiefly attributed to the game’s rarity. With only a limited number of physical editions likely circulating in the low thousands, *Concord* has rapidly ascended to become one of the most elusive first-party titles released by Sony. This limited availability, coupled with the game’s sudden withdrawal, has rendered it highly appealing to collectors eager to acquire a slice of PlayStation lore.
#### The Impact of Speculation
As is common with numerous gaming collectibles, the uptick in *Concord*’s value arises not just from its scarcity but also from speculative buying behaviors. Certain eBay sellers have successfully resold multiple copies of the game for significant margins, with a few offloading dozens of discs in separate transactions. One seller managed to sell a sealed edition for nearly $500 on September 5, illustrating the extremes within this market.
The speculative aspect of this phenomenon mirrors that of other collectibles that have experienced sharp price increases, such as the NES’ *Stadium Events* or the *Super Mario Bros.* cartridge that fetched $100,000. Many of these titles, while not remarkable in gameplay, became prized due to their rarity and the nostalgia they evoke among collectors.
#### The *Concord*-Inspired DualSense Controller
Remarkably, the collector enthusiasm for *Concord* has broadened beyond the game itself. A limited-edition *Concord*-themed DualSense controller, initially marketed by Sony for $85, has also witnessed a rapid increase in resale prices. As of September 8, completed listings for the controller were averaging a median price of $252.50, climbing from $132 just days prior. Unlike the game, however, the controller remains compatible with PS5 systems, rendering it a more sensible acquisition for both collectors and gaming enthusiasts.
#### The Future of *Concord* as a Collector’s Gem
The ongoing pricing patterns for *Concord* provoke vital considerations regarding its future worth. Should the game maintain its status as a rare artifact of PlayStation heritage, its value may continue to appreciate, akin to other scarce and out-of-production titles. In contrast, if the current demand chiefly stems from speculators aiming for quick flips, the market might face a sudden downturn, resulting in a swift price drop.
Moreover, Sony’s subsequent intentions for *Concord* could profoundly affect its collectible status. In their announcement regarding the shutdown, Sony noted that they were “exploring options” to engage better with players, leaving open the possibility of a game relaunch. If *Concord* were to be reintroduced, whether in digital or physical form, it could saturate the market with fresh editions, thereby diminishing the value of the original discs.
#### Conclusion
The ascension of *Concord* as a collector’s item stands as a captivating exploration of rarity, speculation, and the gaming market. What began as a $40 game that had difficulty capturing player interest has rapidly become a desirable collectible.
