The Finals, a new free-to-play shooter developed by Embark Studios, has taken the gaming world by storm. Despite initial reservations from the development team, this fast-paced and robust game has captured the attention of over 225,000 players on Steam during its launch week alone. However, it was not always smooth sailing for the team. In a recent interview with Game Informer, creative director Gustav Tilleby revealed that they initially considered the idea of creating another shooter to be “boring.” It was only after careful consideration and brainstorming that they realized the potential of leveraging environmental destruction in multiplayer gameplay.
What sets The Finals apart is its unique blend of fast-paced team skirmishes and extensive environmental destruction. As players and their squads tear through the map, demolishing walls, leveling buildings, and destroying bridges, the dynamic nature of the game becomes evident. The map you begin on will not be the same map you end on, adding an exciting layer of unpredictability to each match. The influence of the Battlefield series, with several key developers having previously worked on EA Dice’s Battlefield games, is apparent in The Finals. This focus on environmental destruction creates an engaging hook for multiplayer engagements. The game’s high-energy style and intuitive gameplay make it a perfect fit for the Twitch streaming generation, further boosting its popularity and viewer numbers.
While The Finals has proven to be a hit, its development was not without challenges. According to Tilleby, one of the core principles behind the game was to empower players by providing them with greater agency and the ability to overcome obstacles in their own unique ways. Tilleby expressed his love for systemic games that allow players to exercise control and solve problems creatively. This emphasis on player agency led to an extensive period of prototyping, playtesting, and refining the gameplay mechanics. The team wanted to ensure that the game provided players with a sandbox environment to experiment and develop their own playstyles. By offering players the freedom to tackle challenges in their own way, The Finals fosters the creation of memorable player stories and experiences.
Embark Studios has taken a cautious approach to the development and release of The Finals. Rather than making lofty promises, the team aims to deliver on realistic goals. Tilleby explained the importance of not overpromising and only committing to what they can feasibly achieve. By adopting this approach, Embark Studios is building trust with their players and focusing on providing a high-quality gaming experience. The team’s dedication to addressing cheaters and continuously working on new content for upcoming seasons demonstrates their commitment to player satisfaction and long-term success.
As The Finals continues to attract a large player base and maintain a strong presence in the streaming community, the future looks promising for Embark Studios. The game’s innovative approach to multiplayer shooters, combined with its emphasis on player agency, sets it apart from other titles in the genre. With the developers’ ongoing efforts to keep cheaters at bay and deliver new content, The Finals is poised to maintain its momentum and establish itself as a reputable game in the competitive shooter market.
The Finals proves that innovation and creativity can breathe new life into a genre that seems saturated. Embark Studios successfully overcame their initial doubts and crafted a game that combines thrilling gameplay mechanics with an unprecedented level of environmental destruction. By prioritizing player agency, the team has created a game that allows players to shape their own narratives and gameplay experiences. With a careful and realistic approach to development, Embark Studios has set themselves up for long-term success. The Finals is not just another shooter; it’s an exciting and unique addition to the gaming landscape.
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