As a long-time ARPG fan with 500+ hours across titles like Diablo and Path of Exile, I was eagerly anticipating Counterplay Games‘ foray into the genre with the release of Godfall in late 2020.
On paper, Godfall got a lot right – gorgeous visuals and effects conveying a true next-gen feeling, immensely satisfying melee combat, and an intriguing fantasy setting and classes. Early trailers painted it as a Destiny-esque co-op looter shooter, but with an emphasis on skilled close-quarters finishing moves over gunplay.
Godfall Stumbles Out the Gate
However, several issues plagued the launch:
- Lack of content – players raced to the level cap within the main 20-hour campaign. The limited endgame relied on repeating easy boss fights rather than raising the challenge.
- Loot system woes – loot drops severely lacked impact early on without clear progression paths for upgrading gear.
- Technical bugs abounded like crashes and screen tearing for months post-release.
These missteps saw Godfall‘s initial momentum falter quickly, with Steam player counts dipping below 100 just months after launch.
Still, Counterplay responded well by bolstering systems like loot and enemy variety in substantial updates. The addition of the challenging Tower of Trials mode showed what Godfall could be at its best.
They still supported strong fundamentals in combat, now poised to take these learnings into an ambitious new project.
Job Listings Fill Out the Details
Based on a round of intriguing new positions for this unannounced "cooperative action fantasy shooter", Counterplay seems to be doubling down on the loot shooter formula while addressing Godfall‘s weaknesses.
Some highlights:
- A Producer with live service experience building "ongoing content that players will love". Certainly hints at robust post-launch support planned from the start.
- Mission/Level Designers capable of directing enemy encounters for 1 to 4 player parties. More focus on tightly tuned co-op action with friends.
- Senior Writer building narrative content and lore for a brand new IP. Lack of compelling story context hurt Godfall‘s initial reception.
- Animation Programmer with multiplayer combat experience given players will be "heavily focused on fighting". Core visceral melee appeal remains.
What Can Players Expect From Counterplay‘s Sophomore Looter?
Though much is still speculation until an official reveal, it‘s clear they want to expand the scope of their initial foray into the genre and deliver on the compelling cooperative experience promised.
Personally, after enduring the growing pains of the Destiny franchise over the years, I admire studios willing to stick the landing on this addicting blend of action gaming, RPG progression and social experience.
Based on Counterplay‘s strengths and the job details, I theorize players can expect:
Familiar Formula
- Classes/characters optimized for melee combat
- Satisfying ability combos and gory finishing blows
- Beautiful particle effects conveying impact
- Shooting likely secondary focus
Major Improvements
- Heavier focus on co-op specific mechanics/enemies
- Expanded RPG systems with deeper loot and customization
- Frequent content updates: modes, missions, enemies
New Ideas
- Stealth takedowns adding tactical element
- Dark fantasy twists expanding the vibrant Godfall universe
- Interconnected campaign encouraging co-op play
I‘m thrilled to see a studio fully embrace the looter shooter formula. Here‘s hoping they deliver an experience worthy of the hundreds of hours loyal fans like myself enjoy sinking into these worlds upon worlds filled with glorious combat, plunder and progression!
