From DOOM to Downfall? The Changing Fortunes of Shooter Games

In the dimly lit arcades of the 1990s, a new genre began to take shape, one that would redefine gaming and become a cultural phenomenon. The first-person shooter (FPS) genre, with its intense action and immersive perspectives, captured the imaginations of gamers worldwide. From the groundbreaking Doom in 1993 to the tactical complexity of Rainbow Six Siege and the social phenomenon that is Fortnite, the FPS genre has undergone a fascinating evolution. 

Despite this success, the FPS genre is currently facing a pivotal moment. The sheer volume of releases and shifting player expectations has led to an environment where even seasoned developers need help finding their footing. Even franchises like Halo, once considered the gold standard of console shooters, have faltered with Halo Infinite. Destiny 2 faces criticism for its seasonal content model and anti-player corporate decisions. Ubisoft’s highly anticipated XDefiant and Sony’s latest multiplayer title Concord have both stumbled out of the gate, failing to capture the sustained interest of players. This trend raises questions about the future of the genre: Is the FPS space becoming too saturated, or are developers simply missing the mark?