In this deep dive discussion, Adam Telfer, Chris Sides, Phillip Black, and Davan Brannan explore the current state of the PC and console shooter genre, analyzing player engagement trends, the impact of COVID-19, and the struggles of new game entrants in a saturated market.

They discuss the decline in player numbers for popular titles, the challenges of maintaining engagement, and the implications for future game development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges and strategies surrounding the launch and retention of new first-person shooter (FPS) games.

The four also discuss the importance of live content, player migration, and the barriers new titles face in a saturated market.

The conversation ends with an exploration of the future of extraction shooters and the key elements developers must focus on to succeed in the competitive landscape of PvP shooters.

Chapters:

00:00 The Shooter Genre Landscape

02:36 Analyzing Player Engagement in Shooters

09:06 The Impact of COVID on Shooter Game Popularity

11:00 Contrasting Successes and Failures in Recent Titles

21:33 New Entrants and Their Struggles in the Market

28:35 The Challenge of Launching New FPS Games

32:00 Player Migration and Retention in FPS Titles

35:32 Barriers for New PvP Shooters

38:09 Strategies for Competing in a Saturated Market

41:58 The Future of Extraction Shooters

49:57 Key Takeaways for Developing Successful Shooters

Keywords:

PC, console, shooter games, player engagement, market analysis, COVID impact, game launches, FPS, PvP, PvE, FPS games, player retention, game development, extraction shooters, PvP shooters, gaming market, player migration, live service, game thesis, competitive gaming