Is Outriders Dead? The State of the Game Six Months After Launch

Publish date: 2024-05-09

Outriders is a co-op RPG shooter that was released on April 1, 2021, for various platforms. The game was developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix. It received mixed reviews from critics and players, who praised its gameplay, customization, and visuals, but criticized its story, characters, and technical issues. The game also faced some controversies and challenges after its launch, such as server problems, inventory wipes, and balance changes. So, is Outriders dead? And what is the future of the game?

Outriders’ Launch and Reception

Outriders was one of the most anticipated games of 2021, as it promised to deliver a unique blend of shooter and RPG elements, with a dark and gritty sci-fi setting. The game also offered a free demo before its launch, which attracted over two million players and generated positive feedback. The game was expected to be a hit, especially as it was available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Stadia. The game also supported cross-play and cross-save features, allowing players to play together and switch between devices.

However, Outriders’ launch was not as smooth as expected. The game suffered from various technical issues, such as server crashes, connection errors, and bugs. Many players reported that they could not log in, play online, or access their characters. Some players also experienced inventory wipes, which deleted their hard-earned loot and gear. The developers acknowledged the issues and apologized to the players, promising to fix them as soon as possible. They also offered compensation to the affected players, in the form of legendary items and in-game currency.

Despite the technical issues, Outriders still managed to attract a large and active player base. According to the developers, the game reached over 3.5 million players by May 2021, with an average playtime of over 30 hours per player. The game also ranked among the top-selling and most-played games on various platforms, such as Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. The game also received positive word-of-mouth from players who enjoyed its gameplay, customization, and co-op features.

Outriders’ Updates and Changes

Since its launch, Outriders has received several updates and patches from the developers, aimed at improving the game’s performance, stability, and quality. The developers also communicated with the players regularly, through social media, forums, and blogs. They listened to the players’ feedback and suggestions, and implemented some of them in the game. Some of the updates and changes that the game received include:

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