Six years have passed since the demise of LawBreakers, the first-person hero shooter that failed to make a lasting impact in the gaming world. The game’s director, Cliff ‘Cliffy B’ Bleszinski, has recently opened up about the factors that he believes contributed to the game’s failure. One of the main reasons cited by Bleszinski is the unfortunate timing of LawBreakers’ release, coming just a little over a year after the launch of Blizzard’s hugely successful multiplayer FPS, Overwatch.
In a candid conversation with Edge, Bleszinski acknowledged that there were various factors at play that led to LawBreakers’ downfall. From a crowded market to a lackluster marketing campaign, the game faced multiple challenges. However, Bleszinski singles out the arrival of Overwatch as the biggest obstacle that LawBreakers had to overcome. When the team at Boss Key Productions saw Blizzard’s trailer, they knew they were in trouble. Despite drawing inspiration from MOBAs for the hero and ability system in LawBreakers, the game was perceived as too similar to Overwatch, which led to accusations of copying.
Reflecting on the experience, Bleszinski admitted that if he had known LawBreakers would struggle to maintain an active player base, he would have approached the development process differently. He expressed regret over the decision to hire a large team and aim for a triple-A title. In hindsight, Bleszinski believes that creating a smaller, simpler game with a smaller team would have been a more prudent choice. Despite receiving positive reviews, LawBreakers failed to capture a sustainable audience, leading to the closure of Boss Key Productions.
As Bleszinski hints at a possible revival of LawBreakers in 2023, it remains uncertain whether the game will see a comeback. The gaming community is left wondering whether the mastermind behind Gears of War will make a return to game development or pursue other endeavors. The legacy of LawBreakers serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of timing, marketing, and game design in the competitive world of the gaming industry.
Overall, the downfall of LawBreakers serves as a reminder that even experienced developers like Bleszinski can face challenges and setbacks in the ever-evolving landscape of video games. It is a sobering lesson in humility, resilience, and adaptability for those looking to make their mark in the world of game development.
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