Electronic Arts launched the multiplayer shooter Rocket Arena (PC, PS4, Xbox One) just about two weeks ago. Now, as reflected in the Steam player numbers, the game is a flop. But what is the reason for this?
What is Rocket Arena? Rocket Arena is an action-packed 3-versus-3 shooter where rockets play a major role. You choose one of several heroes, each with interesting abilities, and team up in colorful visuals against an enemy team.
You fight not only on the ground but also in the air. You must master the rockets, aim well, set traps, and always proceed tactically to eliminate the enemies.
The Success Is Not Coming
How did the launch of Rocket Arena go? The multiplayer shooter launched on July 14 on PC via Origin and Steam. However, the numbers on Steam were not particularly high even at launch. According to SteamDB, the peak of concurrent players was only 913.
What are the numbers like now? In the meantime, player numbers have even decreased further. The peak in the last 24 hours was only 760 players, at the time this news was written, 495 players were playing simultaneously.
What is EA doing about it? Publisher Electronic Arts has started a sale on Origin. You can currently purchase Rocket Arena for a 83% discount. Instead of 29.99 euros, you now only pay 4.99 euros for the standard version.
The Mythic edition with extra outfits and additional rocket fuel is currently available for 9.99 euros instead of 39.99 euros.
Through Steam, you can try Rocket Arena for free over the weekend.
The Price Is a Problem
Why is the game flopping? It is clearly visible from the ratings and opinions of players that the price is the main issue. 30 euros are too much for some – especially because there is also a Battle Pass and microtransactions. Similar online shooters are available as free-to-play games.
This criticism was already noted by MeinMMO author Patrick Freese in his Find-Your-Next-Game article about Rocket Arena:
Furthermore, there are some complaints that the developers changed the view from first-person to third-person perspective at release.
- SuperBigCat writes on Steam: “The game is fun, but 30 euros are too high for what is being offered. Additionally, there are microtransactions like in a mobile game and a Battle Pass on top. I like the gameplay idea but I cannot support that. I returned it.”
- Digiano says: “I paid 40 euros and now they want me to pay extra for the Battle Pass? Apart from that, it is a fantastic game, but I wish they were not so greedy. Because that could cost them players.”
- StormtrooperAim explains: “You are matched with players who are significantly above your level through matchmaking. The games are always over 100 ms, which makes it almost impossible to hit the opponents. There is no balancing and almost no content. And a Battle Pass in a game that costs 30 euros is just greedy.”
- Wasabi Ice Cream does not find the game that bad: “The game is really fun. There are skill-based 3v3 battles with unique mechanics reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. But I cannot blame anyone for not wanting to pay 30 euros for it, given the additional microtransactions and a Battle Pass.”
Have you also had a chance to try Rocket Arena? What is your opinion about the game?
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