MP1st: I’m not too particularly big on sports games, because I find them boring. I never got into Madden NFL, NBA 2K, or FIFA video games because I prefer watching their real-life counterparts rather than a virtual one. It’s why you’ll never see me ever review those games, because I just don’t get them. Many can probably relate to that, though I will say I have been a fan of sports games that are uniquely different, which is what Knockout City is.
GameSpot caught up with Velan Studios to discuss the life and death of its taken-too-soon dodgeball game, and tried to figure out why modest success is often not enough in the live-service market.
Was this on PS+ at launch?
Never download it.
Have almost no interest in competitive online multiplayer games these days unless they are made by Naughty Dog.
It was on ps+ a few months back not at launch I believe. That was probably the last ditch to get a larger player base,. Obvs didn't happen. I would have liked to have played it but have too much of a backlog shame as it looks good but noe servers will be taken down it's too late prehaps
I mostly play single player games so I rarely try online multiplayer games especially since I find most of them similar.
This game is one of those rare online games that I gave a shot. Although I didn't spend a ton of time with it, I did have a couple of memorable and fun moments together with my son. Close fights, last minute passes, and exciting turn arounds made it a lot of fun to play. So it's kinda sad to hear that they're pulling the plug on this one.
The problem with live services is there isn't an infinite amount of gamers or even gamers with an infinite amount of free time.
It's really a very small market and sure you get the occasional surprise hit (Rocket League, Fall Guy) but alot of the time these games aren't interesting enough.
My biggest bug bare with online multiplayer in general is the whole "progression system" in games like COD and Battlefield.
I haven't got time to be unlocking all the best gear, and it's almost impossible to play and have fun as those who do have the time, get the best weapons.
One of the reasons I like Overwatch is that if you're good at the game and with other good players, you're likely going to win.
Where as less skilled players end up with less skilled players. I'm not very good at Overwatch, but I am 9/10 playing with people who are similar.
Exactly this !! Cod and BF are a prime example - the more you play the better weapons you get that kill a whole lot quicker, a person who plays a few hours a week gets destroyed game after game gets fed up and quits.
Wait, weren't these sort of games supposed to be the future?
Good. Love it.
Personally I think because they are mostly the same sh&t and there is only room for a limited number of them thriving at the same time.
Isn't it kind of obvious? The market can only support so many. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, so they try and grab a slice, but many fail because they're chasing a trend someone else was already successful at instead of bringing something new.
Exactly, people only have so much time and money, and there are so many of these games now, gamers can't support them all, thus they all flock to the most popular games.
I also feel like alot of these developers don't have enough of a road map to keep the content/updates flowing to keep the game fresh for players. I also feel that alot of dvelopers try really hard to nickle and dime players at every opportunity when a live-service game can demand alot of the player's time and money.
Because they're focused on making money, appealing to addictive traits, than actually being fun.
"While partygoers have a ball at the gala above, a mysterious Crew reviews their nefarious plans… "
The game has 2 issues for me
*Servers are >beep<
*The block mechanic is flawed or sometimes unresponsive on any follow-up ball 1-2s after catching the 1st
Fun is subjective, when playing with friends you'll have a gd time, don't attempt to enjoy this solo because people play differently and this isn't like shooters where you can run in and throwdown 2 enemies unless they are pretty new :p
I don't like the art style, but the game is fun, even in solo. I'll play it from time to time.