Back 4 Bloodis an upcoming multiplayer first-person shooter from Turtle Rock Studios, a development team notable for its work onLeft 4 Dead. Fans ofLeft 4 Deadhave been eagerly awaiting the launch of Turtle Rock Studios' latest project, with many viewing it as thespiritual successor to theLeft 4 Deadseries. The game, however, faces plenty of competition in its bid to become gaming’s premiere co-op shooter, notably in the form ofAliens: Fireteam Elite. Each game is vying to capture a similar audience, but they could provide a framework for success for another upcoming multiplayer shooter.
Redfallwas announced at this year’s E3, coming in as one of the first Xbox console exclusives to come out of Microsoft’s Zenimax acquisition. LikeBack 4 BloodandAliens: Fireteam Elite,Redfallis a co-op online shooter set to release in 2022. This could giveRedfallthe edge overFireteam EliteandBack 4 Bloodas it will have the opportunity to observe each of the game’s releases, providing a clear picture of the co-op shooter landscape, and potentially providing inspiration. For this reason, it’s likely that Redfall’s developer, Arkane Studios, will be watchingBack 4 BloodandAliens: Fireteam Eliteclosely.
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Can Aliens: Fireteam Elite and Back 4 Blood Co-Exist?
Aliens: Fireteam EliteandBack 4 Bloodface a tricky launch with both be releasing within a short window of one another.Aliens: Fireteam Elite’srelease dateis August 24, whileBack 4 Bloodcomes out a short while later on October 12. Given that these games have a similar premise, in the fact that they are co-op shooters with a supernatural element, it could be expected that they will struggle to both succeed. However, this assessment may fall short of the mark, as each game fills a niche in the market. Both games could appeal to a similar audience, but ultimately, each game’s premise may be what makes them stand apart.
BothBack 4 BloodandAliens: Fireteam Elitecould look to capitalize on nostalgia to ensure their success. For fans ofAliens,Fireteam Elitecould prove to be the game thatAliens: Colonial Marineshad promised. Ultimately,Colonial Marinesfell short of expectations, butgameplay forAliens: Fireteam Elitehas been quite impressive, potentially suggesting a different result.
Back 4 Blood, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on the void that has been left by the absence of aLeft 4 Dead 3. While both games will draw in fans of the co-op shooter genre, they have quite different niches, which could prove to be crucial in the success of both games. BothLeft 4 DeadandAlienshave large fanbases, which would be eager to experience their favorite titles once more in video game form.
What Redfall Could Learn From Aliens: Fireteam Elite and Back 4 Blood
What will be interesting to observe from the release of bothAliens: Fireteam EliteandBack 4 Bloodwill be how receptive the gaming audience is to two new titles in the co-op shooter genre. In recent years, there have been a number of successful releases in this genre, includingVermintideandKilling Floor 2. However,Fireteam Elite,Redfall, andBack 4 Bloodare all releasing within close proximity of one another, potentially resulting in lessened interest.
Redfallis in the fortunate position of being able to witness the launch of both of its potential competitors. Should the competition prove to be an issue for either game,Redfallmay take this as a hint to change tactic somewhat, and it already has the formula to do so.
The threeupcoming co-op shootershave a lot in common in terms of their gameplay loop, but where they differ is in their theme.Aliens: Fireteam Eliteshould have a locked-in fanbase due to its ties to theAlienfranchise, whileBack 4 Blood’szombie apocalypse places it within the laps ofLeft 4 Deadand general zombie fans.Redfallis no different, as it is rather unique in the fact that it is vampire-related. IfBack 4 BloodandAliens: Fireteam Eliteprove capable of sharing success,Redfallcan feel optimistic about its hopes of finding an audience. However, if they struggle,Redfallmay look to hone in on its vampire genre to differentiate itself even more.
Redfallreleases in summer 2022 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
