Deep Rock Galactic developer Ghost Ship Games is diligently crafting its next venture, Rogue Core, slated for release next year. While the success of Deep Rock Galactic suggests a promising future, the landscape of multiplayer gaming is becoming increasingly competitive, with both new entrants and established favorites vying for player attention.
Facing the Competition
“Competition is fierce,” admits Mikkel Martin Pedersen, the director of Ghost Ship Games. “When we embarked on the journey of creating Deep Rock Galactic, there were only a handful of successful co-op games on Steam. Fast forward to today, and the market is saturated with a plethora of engaging titles.”
Among the notable competitors are Helldivers 2 and the recently successful Arc Raiders, both of which have captured significant player interest. The rise of casual hangout games, such as Peak and RV There Yet?, has also contributed to the shifting dynamics of the gaming landscape. Furthermore, the multimillion-selling Schedule 1 launched this year, adding to the competitive mix.
On the other hand, titles like FBC: Firebreak appear to be struggling to make a mark, while the anticipated Marathon from Bungie faces uncertainty regarding its potential success. In a surprising twist, a free-to-play game inspired by Fall Guys featuring Sonic the Hedgehog was released on Steam last week, yet it seems to have gone largely unnoticed by the gaming community.
Staying True to Their Roots
Despite the competitive pressures, Pedersen remains optimistic about the unique position of the Deep Rock franchise. “We have our own niche and a distinctive approach to co-op gameplay,” he notes. Ghost Ship’s lead game designer, Mikhail Akopyan, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the essence of Deep Rock Galactic. “We have no intentions of altering what Deep Rock Galactic represents in response to market changes. Our focus is on maintaining its core identity.”
Akopyan adds, “The goal is to keep Deep Rock as it is, catering to our dedicated fans while also welcoming new players who may find joy in it. We take pride in what we’ve created and want to ensure that it remains true to itself.”
