In a recent interview with THE BURNETTWORK, Titanfall Game Designer Muhammad Alavi said that Titanfall 3 was in development for ten months before being canceled and turned into Apex Legends.
Titanfall 3 was turned into Apex Legends to capitalize on the Battle Royale Trend.
According to Alavi, Titanfall 3 had been in production for ten months. While it had received several incremental improvements over its predecessor, Titanfall 2, it was not widely regarded as a groundbreaking game. Around the same time, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) had just been released, featuring a widely popular Battle Royale mode. This prompted Respawn Entertainment to reconsider their approach, and ultimately, they decided to transform Titanfall into a Free-to-Play Battle Royale game.
In an exciting turn of events, Alavi revealed that the studio hadn’t discussed this new concept with EA, the publisher, until they had a functional prototype to showcase. EA had initially acquired the studio for the Titanfall IP, anticipating the development of a full-priced title. However, EA embraced the Free-to-Play model once Respawn Entertainment presented the revamped concept.
This strategic decision ultimately proved fruitful for both the developer and the publisher, enabling them to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of Battle Royale games. By adapting to the changing gaming landscape, Respawn Entertainment successfully pivoted Titanfall into a Free-to-Play Battle Royale experience that resonated with a broader audience, ensuring its continued relevance and success in the gaming world.
While pivoting Titanfall into a Free-to-Play Battle Royale game proved successful, there are arguments to be made that Titanfall 3 would have been a better experience for players seeking a more traditional and story-driven Titanfall gameplay. The main Titanfall series had firmly established a fan base who had enjoyed the polished single-player campaigns and fast-paced multiplayer combat, making Titanfall 3 a highly anticipated title among its core players.
Although the details of Titanfall 3 were never formally revealed, it is believed that the game would have expanded upon and refined Titanfall 2’s already impressive gameplay and storytelling. Known for its innovative mechanics, such as wall-running, double-jumping, and Titan combat, the series had a unique blend of elements that set it apart from other first-person shooters. Thus, it would have been a natural progression for Respawn Entertainment to build on these successful aspects and create an even more immersive and engaging experience for Titanfall fans.
Despite the lack of factual information about Titanfall 3, there had been speculation about potential enhancements in the game’s mechanics, including new Titans, a more expansive single-player campaign, and fresh multiplayer modes. These possible additions had the potential to make Titanfall 3 an even better experience for its dedicated players who cherished the franchise’s unique attributes.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that pivoting to a Free-to-Play Battle Royale game helped Respawn Entertainment and EA to tap into the skyrocketing popularity of the genre. While Titanfall 3 may have been a more satisfying experience for Titanfall’s traditional fanbase, the shift to a Free-to-Play model allowed the studio to reach a broader audience and capitalize on the growing Battle Royale trend.
In conclusion, there is no denying that Titanfall 3 could have been a compelling and enjoyable game for fans of the series. Its emphasis on innovation and storytelling would have offered something unique for players seeking a traditional Titanfall experience. However, sometimes strategic decisions are destined to propel a franchise and its developer in a more lucrative direction. The transformation of Titanfall into a Free-to-Play Battle Royale game ultimately worked in favor of Respawn Entertainment and EA, allowing them to adapt to the evolving gaming market and reach unprecedented heights.
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