Cliff Bleszinski, the influential game designer known for his work on the Gears of War series, has recently spoken about the challenges faced by his first-person shooter (FPS) game, LawBreakers. In a candid discussion, Bleszinski suggested that if Blizzard's Overwatch had not made such a significant impact on the gaming industry, LawBreakers might have had a better chance at success.
Released in August 2017, LawBreakers was an FPS developed by Bleszinski's studio, Boss Key Productions. Despite the team's efforts to create a unique and engaging game, it struggled to gain traction in an already-crowded market. Bleszinski holds the view that Overwatch, which was released in May 2016, played a major role in overshadowing LawBreakers.
According to Bleszinski, Overwatch's appeal lay in its colorful characters, accessible gameplay, and Blizzard's established reputation. These elements drew a large player base, making it difficult for competing games like LawBreakers to attract sufficient attention. Bleszinski remarked, "If Overwatch didn't exist, I think LawBreakers would have had a shot."
The competitive landscape of the FPS genre is notoriously tough, with only a few games managing to achieve long-term success. Overwatch's innovative approach and polished mechanics set a high standard, forcing other games to compete at an unprecedented level. LawBreakers, with its fast-paced, gravity-defying action, failed to capture a similar level of acclaim and player loyalty.
Reflecting on LawBreakers' journey, Bleszinski acknowledged that timing and market dynamics played crucial roles in the game's difficulties. He noted that despite its merits, LawBreakers faced an uphill battle against Overwatch's dominance and the overall saturation of the FPS market. Additionally, initial reviews and player feedback highlighted some issues with LawBreakers' learning curve and balance, which further impeded its ability to retain a dedicated player base.
Bleszinski's comments also touch on the broader challenges developers face when entering a competitive genre. The success of a game is influenced by numerous factors, including timing, market conditions, marketing strategies, and player preferences. For LawBreakers, these variables culminated in a launch period overshadowed by a behemoth like Overwatch.
Despite LawBreakers' eventual downfall, Bleszinski remains a prominent figure in the game development community. His insights into the industry's complexities provide valuable lessons for both new and established developers. The story of LawBreakers serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of the gaming market.
Currently, Bleszinski imparts his knowledge and insights, providing a distinct viewpoint on the advancements within the FPS genre and the complex nature of game creation. While LawBreakers may not have achieved the success he hoped for, his ongoing contributions to the gaming world highlight the significance of resilience and innovation in the face of challenges.
