LawBreakers: A Game of Missed Opportunities

LawBreakers, the 2017 first-person shooter developed by Boss Key, was met with critical acclaim but commercial failure. The game’s demise was a shock to the gaming community, with many speculating about the reasons behind its downfall. In a recent interview with 80.lv, Cliff Bleszinski, co-founder of Boss Key and creator of the Gears of War series, shed light on the factors that contributed to the game’s failure.

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One of the key reasons, according to Bleszinski, was his own ego. He revealed that he wanted Boss Key to be ‘his’ studio, which led him to make decisions that ultimately hurt the game. ‘I could have used Rod [Fergusson], but I wanted it to be my show, and that was the first step of my ego creeping in right there,’ he said. Bleszinski’s desire for control and recognition led him to believe that people would be loyal to the game solely because of his involvement.

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However, Bleszinski soon realized that people are loyal to the game itself, not the person behind it. ‘People are loyal to the game, but they’re not necessarily loyal to the person,’ he stated. This realization came too late, as the game’s commercial failure had already set in.

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Another factor that contributed to LawBreakers’ failure was the publishing deal secured with Nexon. Bleszinski recalled that the deal had the wrong priorities, with Boss Key retaining the rights to its IP but Nexon not being incentivized to make the game a success. ‘When the deal is so good for one side, the other side isn’t as incentivized … they’re not going to make it the next big thing because they’re really not going to see that much of the profit,’ he explained.

Bleszinski also pointed out several other causes that led to LawBreakers’ demise. These included the game’s art not standing out enough, an earlier launch on Xbox potentially bringing over more Gears of War fans, and his own struggles with alcoholism. Furthermore, he felt that he was less involved in the game’s development than a lead should be, often going home when others stayed late to work.

Despite the turmoil surrounding LawBreakers, Bleszinski remains optimistic about his future in game development. ‘At the end of the day, I want to create characters and worlds,’ he said. ‘I want to make stuff that people will cosplay as and get tattooed on their bodies.’

The Aftermath of LawBreakers

LawBreakers’ failure serves as a cautionary tale for game developers and publishers alike. It highlights the importance of putting the game first, rather than personal ego or profit. Bleszinski’s account of the game’s development and demise offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by game developers and the factors that contribute to commercial failure.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential to learn from the mistakes of the past. By understanding the reasons behind LawBreakers’ failure, developers and publishers can create more successful and engaging games that resonate with players.

Bleszinski’s words of wisdom serve as a reminder that game development is a collaborative effort, and that personal ego and recognition should not come at the expense of the game itself.