Six years after the closure of Boss Key Productions and the commercial failure of LawBreakers, game director Cliff ‘Cliffy B’ Bleszinski has come forward to discuss the reasons behind the downfall of the first-person hero shooter. Despite positive reviews, LawBreakers struggled to maintain an active player base, ultimately leading to the demise of the studio. Bleszinski points to various factors that contributed to the failure of the game, with one of the biggest being the arrival of Blizzard’s hit title, Overwatch.
According to Bleszinski, the launch of Overwatch in 2016 had a significant impact on LawBreakers. The similarities in gameplay mechanics and hero abilities between the two games led to accusations of LawBreakers copying Overwatch, despite efforts by the development team to differentiate the two titles. When Blizzard released the trailer for Overwatch, Bleszinski recalls the collective realization at Boss Key Productions: “Oh god, we’re fucked.” The overwhelming success of Overwatch overshadowed LawBreakers and made it challenging for the game to stand out in the crowded multiplayer FPS market.
Reflecting on the failure of LawBreakers, Bleszinski admits that there were several missteps in the development process. He acknowledges that with hindsight, he would have approached the project differently by scaling down the team and focusing on creating a simpler game with a smaller scope. Instead of aiming for a triple-A shooter, Bleszinski believes that a smaller, more nimble development team could have produced a more successful game. The experience with LawBreakers has taught Bleszinski valuable lessons about the importance of market timing and the need to innovate while staying true to the core vision of a game.
Despite Bleszinski’s cryptic reference to a potential return of LawBreakers in 2023, it seems unlikely that the game will see a revival. The closure of Boss Key Productions following the failure of LawBreakers raises questions about the future of the studio and whether Bleszinski will return to game development. As of now, the Gears of War mastermind’s next steps remain uncertain, leaving fans to speculate on what his next project may be.
The impact of Overwatch on LawBreakers’ failure serves as a cautionary tale for game developers about the challenges of standing out in a competitive market. Bleszinski’s reflections offer valuable insights into the importance of market timing, team size, and creative differentiation in the development of a successful game. While the closure of Boss Key Productions marks the end of an era, it also opens up new possibilities for Bleszinski and his team to explore innovative ideas in the world of video game development.
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