It’s usually sad to see a great game canceled, but when that game is actually an RTS that had a solid five-year run and the only thing that’s getting canceled is its brush with MMO-dom, then I guess it’s sort of palatable. “Company of Heroes,” a beloved real-time strategy game, has been a staple for many gamers since its release. The game’s transition into an MMO was met with mixed feelings, and now that the beta has been canceled, it brings a sense of closure to some while disappointing others.
And if you’re still sore about THQ canceling the beta, consider the fact that it’s about the cost of a McDonald’s meal on Steam and you can have your fill of online play for no charge whatsoever in perpetuity afterward. Or as long as the servers are open. This means that fans of the original game can continue to enjoy the classic RTS experience without any additional costs, which is a silver lining for many.
The Strategy Behind the Cancellation
THQ, for its part, is saying it’s “reevaluated its strategy of adapting certain Western content for free-to-play online games in Asian markets,” chucking out their WWE Online MMO in the process as well. This strategic shift indicates that THQ is focusing on what they believe will be more successful ventures. The decision to cancel “Company of Heroes Online” and WWE Online MMO reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where companies are increasingly selective about which projects to pursue in different markets.
The beta has only been going on since September 2nd, but I guess they wanted to give it a chance to spread its wings first. Regardless, all of you genre purists out there can breathe easy once more. The brief beta period allowed THQ to gather valuable feedback and data, which likely influenced their decision to pull the plug. This move also highlights the challenges of transitioning a traditional RTS game into an MMO format, which may not always resonate with the core audience.
Implications for the Gaming Community
The cancellation of “Company of Heroes Online” has several implications for the gaming community. For one, it underscores the importance of understanding market dynamics and player preferences. While the idea of an MMO version of a popular RTS game might seem appealing on paper, the execution and reception can be entirely different. This situation serves as a reminder that not all game adaptations will succeed, even if they are based on well-loved franchises.
Moreover, the decision to keep the original “Company of Heroes” available on Steam at a low cost ensures that the game’s legacy continues. Fans can still enjoy the strategic depth and engaging gameplay that made the game a hit in the first place. This approach also opens the door for new players to discover the game without a significant financial commitment.
Additionally, the move to cancel the MMO beta and focus on other projects could free up resources for THQ to invest in new and innovative games. This could lead to the development of fresh content that might better align with current gaming trends and player expectations.
Via Eurogamer
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