cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/22012

BattleBit Remastered, a 254-player FPS game, is currently stealing the limelight on Steam despite being launched in the already crowded market of first-person shooters. Developed by a team of only four people, the $15 indie game quickly became a top seller on the platform. Its success is especially notable since it competes against numerous free, well-supported shooters, yet still manages to outperform even popular titles like Call of Duty.

What’s particularly appealing about BattleBit, however, isn’t just its gameplay, but its pricing model. Instead of following a free-to-play model, BattleBit costs $15 upfront. But this purchase comes with the assurance that players will receive a fully-featured game with no extra hidden costs. The game currently includes six classes, 39 unlockable guns, dozens of class-specific gadgets, 17 destructible maps, and community server support, among other things, making it a great value for its price.

This model stands in stark contrast to the typical free-to-play games that tend to start with a modest offering and then add more content over time. These games often feel like they are always looking at the player as a potential target for further monetization, with constant reminders about battle pass buy-ins and overpriced skin bundles. This approach can lead to players feeling like they’re being asked to invest financially and emotionally in the game’s future potential, rather than simply enjoying what the game offers in the present.

BattleBit, with its upfront price and a promise of no further monetary strings, is refreshingly different. It’s fun, well-balanced, and surprisingly intense for a game with blocky characters and low-detail environments. The robust proximity chat feature also adds an additional layer of immersion and social interaction, with players often role-playing and communicating with genuine conviction during the game.

Despite its minor shortcomings, like the lackluster sound effects for its guns, BattleBit’s previous anonymity has worked in its favor, much like Eric Barone’s Stardew Valley. Gamers come in with zero expectations and are often pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality of the game. Even if future updates don’t materialize, many players feel they have already received their money’s worth from the initial purchase. The game’s focus on present value, rather than speculative future updates, appears to be a winning strategy in the eyes of its growing fanbase.