A new cooperative shooter, Rogue Point, entered early access on Steam today. Developed by Crowbar Collective, the title is positioned as a direct response to the increasing complexity and time commitment of modern games within its genre.
Brad Sheremeta, marketing and community manager for Crowbar Collective, stated the studio’s goal was to create a game that players could easily pick up and play with friends. The game is a player versus environment (PvE) experience focused on straightforward, accessible action.
Focus on Simplicity and Co-op Play
Rogue Point is described by its developers as a back-to-basics shooter. The core design philosophy emphasizes immediate action and cooperative gameplay over intricate progression systems or lengthy tutorials. This approach aims to cater to players seeking a less demanding, more social gaming session.
The move to Early Access allows the development team to gather player feedback and iterate on the game’s content and mechanics before a full commercial release. This model is commonly used in the video game industry for community-driven development.
Context Within the Gaming Industry
The release of Rogue Point occurs within a broader market trend where some developers and players express a desire for simpler, more focused game designs. This sentiment often contrasts with major industry titles that feature expansive open worlds, deep crafting systems, and complex meta-progression.
Cooperative PvE shooters remain a popular sub-genre, with titles spanning from classic arcade-style games to large-scale live service projects. Crowbar Collective’s entry seeks to occupy a space defined by immediate accessibility and traditional shooter mechanics.
Next Steps and Development Roadmap
With the game now available in Early Access, the immediate next phase involves monitoring player engagement and collecting feedback. The development team at Crowbar Collective is expected to release periodic updates to address bugs, balance gameplay, and potentially add new content based on community input.
No official date for a full version 1.0 launch has been announced. The duration of the Early Access period will likely depend on the scope of refinements and additional features deemed necessary before a final release. Further announcements regarding the development timeline are anticipated from the studio in the coming months.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
