In a notable development within the gaming industry, the much-anticipated extraction shooter Arena Breakout: Infinite has confirmed that it will not feature cross-platform play between consoles and PC. The decision was unveiled alongside other significant updates at Gamescom 2024, where the game’s developers, MoreFun Studios, showcased new elements of the title.
Arena Breakout: Infinite, developed by MoreFun Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent Games, is set to enter its full release at the end of 2024. The game, which entered early access on August 13, aims to carve a niche in the competitive extraction shooter genre. Often likened to Battlestate Games’ Escape from Tarkov, Arena Breakout: Infinite is distinguished by its planned availability on multiple console platforms, though it will not support cross-platform play.
The announcement was made via the game’s official Twitter account, following a poll that engaged approximately 12,000 participants. The poll results showed a near-even split on the cross-platform debate, with 48% of respondents opposed to the feature and 47% in favour. The remaining 5% were undecided. This has led to a significant dialogue within the gaming community, with many players suggesting that cross-platform play should be optional rather than a fixed feature. Others have proposed that if cross-platform play were to be included, it should be balanced with stringent controls on aim-assist to ensure fair play across platforms.
In addition to clarifying its stance on cross-platform play, the team behind Arena Breakout: Infinite made several other announcements at Gamescom 2024. These included the introduction of a new map, the addition of female characters, and the launch of an innovative AI companion system known as FACUL (First Ever AI Companion Who Understands Human Language). FACUL is touted as a ground breaking advancement in voice-command AI for FPS games, enabling players to issue complex tactical commands to NPC allies through advanced voice recognition and real-time speech synthesis technologies.
The revelation of FACUL has been met with considerable interest, as it promises to enhance strategic depth and player engagement by integrating sophisticated AI into the gameplay experience. The system leverages generative AI technologies to provide players with a more interactive and responsive gaming environment.
Gamescom 2024, held in Cologne, Germany, was a hotspot for major gaming announcements. In addition to updates on Arena Breakout: Infinite, the event showcased new trailers for highly anticipated titles such as Mafia: The Old Country, a new entry in the Mafia franchise; Floatopia, a new title from NetEase that evokes comparisons to Animal Crossing: New Horizons; and further updates on Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds, Funcom’s Dune: Awakening, and Warhorse Studios’ Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
MoreFun Studios, based in Shanghai, is a key development arm of Tencent Interactive Entertainment. The studio has previously developed titles such as the hero-based tactical shooter Ace Force 2, the multiplayer RPG Roco Kingdom, and Naruto Online. The mobile iteration of Arena Breakout: Infinite, which launched in June 2023 under Tencent’s Level Infinite brand, has laid the groundwork for the upcoming full release.
The decision to exclude cross-platform play in Arena Breakout: Infinite reflects a broader trend in the industry, where the integration of such features is often influenced by technical and balancing considerations. As the game continues to develop in the lead-up to its full release, it remains to be seen how the community will respond to these latest updates and whether the developers will reconsider their stance on cross-platform play based on ongoing player feedback.
In conclusion, while Arena Breakout: Infinite will not support cross-platform play, the inclusion of innovative features such as the FACUL AI companion system highlights the developers’ commitment to advancing the tactical FPS genre. With a release slated for late 2024, the game’s trajectory will be closely watched by enthusiasts and industry observers alike, particularly in light of its potential to challenge established titles in the extraction shooter market.
