Cliff ‘Cliffy B’ Bleszinski, the director of the ill-fated game LawBreakers, recently spoke out about the factors that led to the game’s failure. One of the key points he raised was the unfortunate timing of LawBreakers’ release, coming just a year after Blizzard’s hit multiplayer FPS, Overwatch. Bleszinski believes that the success of Overwatch overshadowed LawBreakers and significantly impacted its chances of success.
According to Bleszinski, the demise of LawBreakers was not due to a single factor but rather a combination of various issues. He likened it to an airplane crash, where multiple cascading failures lead to a tragic outcome. From a crowded market to a lackluster marketing campaign, there were several challenges that Boss Key Productions faced. However, Bleszinski singles out Overwatch’s arrival as the biggest blow to LawBreakers’ success.
Despite attempts to differentiate LawBreakers from Overwatch by incorporating unique elements such as heroes and abilities inspired by MOBAs, the game still faced accusations of copying its competitor. Bleszinski admits that, in hindsight, the similarities between the two games may have been too close for comfort. He acknowledges that, while LawBreakers received positive reviews, it failed to maintain an active player base in the long run.
Reflecting on the failure of LawBreakers, Bleszinski expressed regret over certain decisions made during the game’s development. He mentioned that, if given the chance to do it over, he would opt for a smaller, less ambitious project with a leaner team. This approach, he believes, would have allowed them to release a game more quickly and efficiently, without the burden of AAA expectations. Despite hints at a revival of LawBreakers in the future, it seems unlikely that the game will make a comeback.
As for Bleszinski’s own future in game development, it remains uncertain. While he has made significant contributions to the industry with titles like Gears of War, the failure of LawBreakers has undoubtedly been a setback. Whether he will make a return to game development or pursue other ventures is yet to be seen.
The story of LawBreakers serves as a cautionary tale for game developers, highlighting the importance of timing, market positioning, and distinguishing features. By learning from past mistakes, developers can strive to create successful and sustainable projects in the competitive gaming industry.
Leave a Reply