Finding Success in a Competitive Genre
BattleBit Remastered has been dominating the charts since its release on PC. Developed by TheLiquidHorse, SgtOkiDoki, and Vilaskis, this indie shooter has sold 1.8 million units in its first two weeks. It’s a testament to the idea that a game doesn’t have to just look good, but also play well.
In 2023, the free-to-play market has become saturated, making BattleBit Remastered’s success on Steam even more impressive. Despite being in Early Access, this game has outperformed popular titles like Battlefield and Call of Duty, and even surpassed Starfield preorders.
Standing Out in a Crowded Field
Indie games are now commonplace, often offering better value for money and a fun gaming experience. BattleBit Remastered is an indie FPS that combines elements of Battlefield, Squad, and Roblox. What sets it apart is the fact that it’s competing in one of the most competitive genres—first-person shooters. With a plethora of free-to-play shooter games available, it’s challenging to make a mark. Yet, BattleBit has managed to charge $15 per game, outperforming the likes of Call of Duty on Steam.
The Value of a $15 FPS Game
BattleBit Remastered could have taken the free-to-play path, but it has chosen to price the game at $15, which has greatly contributed to its appeal. For this amount, players receive a game with no additional purchases required. There are no cosmetic stores or battle passes to grind for. Instead, the game offers a wealth of rewards purely through gameplay. Here’s what players get for their $15:
- 39 unlockable guns
- 78 attachments
- 6 classes
- 17 destructible maps (with day and night variants)
- Dedicated 254-player servers
- Dozens of class-specific primary/secondary gadgets
- Community server support (beta)
- VOIP with proximity chat
For those who want to show additional support, there’s an optional $20 Supporter Pack with gun skins.
A Fresh Approach to Content Delivery
One reason BattleBit Remastered feels like a content-rich experience is that we’ve become accustomed to free-to-play shooters that start with limited content and gradually expand over time. It’s rare to find a game in 2023 that feels like it’s already in its 20th season, which is quite disheartening. While free-to-play games have their advantages, with countless options available without spending a penny, they often bombard players with skin bundles and battle pass offers. It’s easy to feel trapped in an unhealthy relationship where spending more money becomes the norm.
A Breath of Fresh Air
If you’re a fan of multiplayer FPS games, BattleBit Remastered offers a refreshing change. It stands out from other games that constantly tempt players with additional purchases. While it may lack the intense audio and graphic violence of some titles, the matches can be surprisingly intense, thanks to the engaging VOIP proximity chat feature. BattleBit Remastered is reminiscent of Stardew Valley’s success story, proving that a small game can win people over and surpass expectations. Even if the developers don’t deliver all the planned updates, the game’s current state still offers plenty of fun.