2020 a preliminary low point for the genre of loot shooters
This is the state of the genre as a whole: After there was a real highlight with “Destiny 2: Forsaken” in 2018 and at least two major hype launches with “The Division 2” and “Anthem” at the beginning of 2019, large parts of 2019 and the entire year 2020 were quite disappointing for loot shooters.
In shooters, the “battle royale” games (CoD Warzone, Fortnite) clearly dominate. On Twitch, games like Valorant suddenly took over. Even GTA Online experienced a surge, while loot shooters languished.
For 2021, there seem to be no rosy prospects. While The Division 2 and Destiny 2 have a solid core of players who love the concept of the games, it is questionable whether the games will still be developed in a way that the fans envision.
It has proven that loot shooters need four things over time:
- Regularly new exciting campaigns that offer story missions and raids.
- Regularly new, interesting items and rewards that are worth grinding for.
- A functioning PvP or PvE system where one can truly feel and need the best and strongest equipment.
- Robust, coherent progression and game systems that motivate players in the long term and keep them engaged.
There is a lot that MMO shooters must achieve. It has shown that players genuinely want hard work and substance in the content. Attempts to stretch or recycle content are viewed critically and consistently criticized. The expectations of fans: “Give us more new, real content.”
The competition from Fortnite and CoD Warzone largely hinges on the map, some game variants, and balancing. This seems to be a more manageable concept in the long term and corresponds to a fast-paced zeitgeist where each round starts from 0, and you don’t have to build a character long-term. However, that allure of getting stronger and better over the long term and customizing the character to one’s playstyle is what makes loot shooters appealing.
Let’s see if a game in 2021 can give its players more of these kicks in the long run.
To the new online games and MMOs whose release we expect in 2021, Outriders is at least another loot shooter.The goal is to convince from the start and not to deliver content later, as has often been criticized in current loot shooters.
MMO shooters are a hot genre that promises a lot of potential by mixing MMORPG elements with the fast gameplay of shooters. Those who have developed a taste for it and are looking for variety can check out the top MMOs and MMORPGs that you can play right now:
