Funktronic Labs has announced a significant shift in direction for their game, Scramble Knights Royale, now rebranded as Scramble Knights Online. Initially conceived as a battle royale game, the development team faced skepticism over the feasibility of this concept in the current gaming landscape.
Shift from Battle Royale to RPG
In a Steam update, Funktronic Labs acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a live-service battle royale. The studio co-founder, Eddie Lee, emphasized the difficulty of achieving the necessary user base. He explained that around 2,000 to 3,000 concurrent players are essential for optimal game flow and player experience. After three years of development, the numbers revealed that success in the competitive battle royale genre was unattainable.
New Direction for Scramble Knights Online
Rather than abandoning the project, Funktronic Labs pivoted to a different genre. Lee recounted a moment of inspiration when a vision for a “Monster Hunter-inspired MMO-lite experience” struck him. This led to the creation of Scramble Knights Online, which is positioned as a multiplayer adventure RPG.
Features of Scramble Knights Online
The reimagined game will focus on cooperative gameplay in an online kingdom called Terracotta, offering a variety of activities:
- Exploring a sprawling archipelago
- Embarking on quests and battling monsters
- Conquering dungeons and discovering treasure
- Upgrading gear for future adventures
While the game is primarily co-op, there will still be elements of player versus player (PvP) action. Funktronic aims to create a shared online experience that allows players to gather and adventure together.
Release Information and Pricing
Scramble Knights Online is expected to enter early access in the fall. The anticipated price range will be between $15 and $20. This new direction promises to uphold the core ethos of the original Scramble Knights, which centered on adventure with friends.
Fans of the game can look forward to a fresh take on cooperative gameplay while still enjoying some competitive elements in this innovative pivot from a traditional battle royale format.
