BattleBit Remastered: The Surprising Success of a 254-Player FPS Created by a Small Team
BattleBit Remastered, an FPS game that might have flown under your radar, is currently making waves on the Steam platform. Released in early access, this multiplayer shooter features epic-scale modern warfare with up to 254 players.
Despite its low price of $15, it has quickly become the best-selling paid game on Steam. And one of the most-played titles in the market.
Its top position on the Steam charts is especially impressive considering it ranks games by revenue, not just copies sold.
What makes BattleBit Remastered achievement even more noteworthy is the fact that it is developed by a small team of four people at OkiGames.
The team has been working on different iterations of the game for seven years, and their dedication has paid off.
BattleBit’s success in terms of both sales and player engagement has allowed it to outperform highly anticipated titles like Warzone 2, Starfield, PUBG, and even the highly anticipated Steam Deck.
The Appeal of BattleBit Remastered
One hour of gameplay in BattleBit Remastered reveals a surprisingly enjoyable FPS experience that surpasses initial expectations.
Despite its resemblance to Roblox in terms of visuals, it offers gameplay reminiscent of popular titles like Battlefield and Squad.
Players can enjoy massive scale battles, the use of vehicles, and destructible environments. The inclusion of milsim elements such as proximity chat, buildable structures, bleeding mechanics requiring bandages, and a dedicated medic class add depth to the gameplay.
BattleBit strikes a balance between accessibility for casual players and a more hardcore experience for multiplayer shooter enthusiasts.
One remarkable aspect of BattleBit Remastered’s launch is its relative smoothness. Despite a few server resets to accommodate the overwhelming demand from over 28,000 eager players, the game has performed well.
The movement feels responsive, and the shooting mechanics are enjoyable, although some players have noted that the gun sounds could be improved.
The maps in BattleBit are expansive, providing ample space for flanking and maneuvering, even with the large player count.
According to Twelve, the product manager of BattleBit Remastered, the game’s low-poly aesthetic, along with the diligent programming by lead developer Oki, allows for its massive scale. Additionally, BattleBit boasts low system requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
Even if it may not possess the visual splendor of larger games, its focus on smooth gameplay and a low barrier to entry is likely to work in OkiGames’ favor in the long run.
