Extraction shooters have become a popular genre in the world of gaming, offering players the thrill of high-stakes PvPvE gameplay. One game that is looking to revolutionize this genre is Exoborne, developed by Sharkmob and led by creative director Petter Mannerfelt. With experience working on games like The Division, Mannerfelt brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
The concept of extraction shooters gained momentum with games like The Division and Escape From Tarkov, where players competed against each other for valuable loot in high-risk environments. The Dark Zone in The Division, in particular, became a popular destination for players looking for intense PvP action. However, it was Escape From Tarkov that truly codified the term ‘extraction shooter’, setting the stage for a new trend in the gaming world.
Sharkmob, the studio behind Exoborne, initially ventured into the battle royale genre with their game Vampire: The Masquerade – Blood Hunt. While the game showcased high mobility and engaging gameplay, it struggled to maintain an audience in a market already saturated with popular battle royale titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warzone. Learning from this experience, Sharkmob shifted their focus to the extraction shooter genre with Exoborne, aiming to offer a fresh take on the concept.
In a recent Q&A session, Petter Mannerfelt highlighted some key aspects of Exoborne that set it apart from other games in the genre. One of the standout features is the game’s narrative approach, inspired by the storytelling in Supergiant’s Hades. Similar to Hades’ method of gradually unfolding the story over multiple runs, Exoborne introduces players to its world through a combination of lore, cutscenes, and optional story quests. This narrative-driven approach adds depth and immersion to the gameplay experience, giving players a sense of progression and purpose beyond just extraction and combat.
Building a Living World
One of the key elements of Exoborne’s design is the emphasis on creating a living, breathing world for players to explore. Each map in the game is filled with hidden lore, audio logs, and other story elements that provide context and background to the game’s setting. Drawing inspiration from The Division’s detailed environmental storytelling, Exoborne aims to immerse players in a rich and engaging world where every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered.
In addition to environmental storytelling, Exoborne also features a dynamic narrative that evolves over time. The game’s motion capture and photogrammetry studio allows for real actors to be scanned into the game, bringing cutscenes and other narrative sequences to life with a level of realism and authenticity. This commitment to storytelling and world-building sets Exoborne apart from traditional extraction shooters, offering players a deeper and more meaningful experience.
Player-Focused Design
One of the core principles guiding the development of Exoborne is a focus on the player experience. Sharkmob is dedicated to creating a game that is accessible to both hardcore fans of the genre and newcomers looking to dip their toes into the world of extraction shooters. To achieve this balance, Exoborne features short and eventful matches that offer a mix of PvP and PvE objectives, giving players the freedom to choose their preferred playstyle.
Furthermore, Exoborne incorporates a progression-based matchmaking system to ensure fair and balanced gameplay for all players. By rewarding skill and experience rather than relying on pay-to-win mechanics, the game aims to create a level playing field where victory is determined by skill and strategy. This player-focused approach reflects Sharkmob’s commitment to creating a competitive yet inclusive gaming experience for all.
Looking Towards the Future
As Exoborne prepares for its upcoming beta release, the team at Sharkmob is excited to see how players will respond to the game’s unique blend of storytelling and gameplay. With a premium release model and a focus on player-driven content updates, Exoborne is poised to make a significant impact in the world of extraction shooters. By combining narrative depth, engaging gameplay, and a player-centric design philosophy, Exoborne promises to offer a fresh and innovative take on the genre.
In conclusion, Exoborne represents a bold new direction for extraction shooters, combining elements of storytelling, world-building, and player-focused design to create a truly immersive and engaging gaming experience. With its innovative approach and commitment to quality, Exoborne is set to revolutionize the genre and establish itself as a standout title in the competitive world of PvPvE shooters.