Imagine going to buy a game that you’ve been eyeing for a while, only to find out that it has been removed from sale without any warning. This is exactly what happened to Rocket Arena, the third-person hero shooter published by EA in 2020. The game is no longer available for purchase on its Steam or EA store pages, leaving fans puzzled and disappointed. Neither EA nor developers Final Strike Games have provided an explanation for the delisting, leaving gamers wondering what went wrong and why.
One might argue that the lack of updates was a clear sign that something was amiss with Rocket Arena. The game hadn’t received any updates since September 1st, 2021, which is quite unusual for an online multiplayer shooter. Prior to that, the developers had released four seasons of additional content, such as maps, characters, and battle pass unlocks. However, despite these efforts to keep the game fresh and engaging, Rocket Arena failed to attract a substantial audience.
Rocket Arena had a unique selling point in its damage model. Unlike traditional shooters where health is depleted with each hit, in Rocket Arena, damage would accumulate until reaching a critical state. This meant that every hit from your opponents brought you closer to being eliminated from the arena. The game’s third-person dodge movement added an extra layer of challenge and strategy, forcing players to rely on their agility to survive. This innovative approach to damage dynamics garnered positive feedback from players who found it highly engaging and addictive.
It’s unfortunate that Rocket Arena seems to have quietly vanished without a proper farewell or a chance at redemption. The game may not have reached the level of success that EA and Final Strike Games had hoped for, but it still had a dedicated fan base who enjoyed its unique gameplay mechanics. The sudden removal from sale and the lack of communication from the developers have left fans feeling neglected and disappointed.
Despite the disappointment surrounding the disappearance of Rocket Arena, there is hope for the future. Final Strike Games, the developers behind Rocket Arena, have already moved on to an “unannounced new IP.” This suggests that they are working on a new project that could potentially surpass the achievements of Rocket Arena. Additionally, the fact that Final Strike Games has been providing “live services support” to Fortnite, including contributing to the relaunch of its original map, indicates that they are still active in the gaming industry.
The sudden removal of Rocket Arena serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry. Even games published by major companies like EA can fall short of expectations and be discontinued without warning. It is a lesson for developers and gamers alike to cherish the games they love and to support them while they are still available.
The disappearance of Rocket Arena has left a void in the gaming community. With its unique damage model and engaging gameplay, it had the potential to become a beloved title. However, the lack of updates, coupled with the sudden removal from sale, has disappointed fans and raised questions about its fate. While the future remains uncertain, gamers can only hope that Final Strike Games will learn from this experience and deliver even better experiences in their upcoming projects.
Leave a Reply