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Disappearing players: the fall of a great battle royale

In a recent discussion, players expressed frustration over the decline of a once-popular battle royale game, citing major issues like long wait times, bugs, and rampant cheating. Discussion on forums reveals a mix of nostalgia and disappointment over how excitement turned to frustration for many.

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Jul 31, 2025, 11:46 AM

Updated

Aug 1, 2025, 03:32 AM

2 minutes of duration

A graph showing a decrease in player numbers for a popular battle royale game, with visuals of gaming elements in the background.

Key Factors Contributing to Player Exodus

Players reminisced about their initial experiences at launch but quickly identified critical shortcomings that had a lasting impact. Some key points from their discussions include:

Cross-Play Limitations

One user noted the lack of cross-play as a major detriment.

"What killed it for my group of friends, who all downloaded and were ready to play, was the lack of cross play."

Persistent Bugs and Technical Problems

Technical troubles marred the game from the start. Players reported numerous bugs, including an infamous reload bug that took significant time to fix. One player recalled:

"Reload bug was like 2 months, but they spent the first full month denying itโ€™s existence."

Another user highlighted:

"There were a few game-breaking bugs which a few big streamers complained about."

These technical issues led some to stop playing. A comment stated:

"I started at launch but stopped playing like a year ago or longer when they released the last battle pass."

Cheating Spoiling the Experience

Cheating also became a rampant issue, driving players away. One commentator articulated the frustration:

"Cheaters and SUPER shitty controller controls ruined the game."

Players shared that efforts to combat cheating felt insufficient, which further eroded trust in the game.

Competing in a Saturated Market

Adding to the challenges, players mentioned the competitive nature of the battle royale genre. Many felt overwhelmed by the skill gap and fast-paced movement mechanics. A user expressed concerns about gameplay:

"Most people canโ€™t handle or adapt to learn to move like everyone else."

The Game's Fragile Future

Despite a solid foundation, these compounded issues resulted in a dwindling player base. Many fans are left wondering if developers can reignite interest through timely updates and community engagement.

Community Sentiment

The overall sentiment from discussions leans heavily negative. Players believe that without addressing long-standing issues, the game may not recover:

  • Frustration with wait times: Lengthy matchmaking periods were a common complaint.

  • Frustration with bugs and cheating: Bugs and a strong presence of cheaters were viewed as deterrents.

  • Cross-play demand: Players are increasingly looking for cross-platform play options.

Key Takeaways:

  • โœ— Many fans express disappointment due to unresolved technical bugs.

  • โœ— Thereโ€™s a pressing demand for cross-play to keep friends engaged in play.

  • ๐ŸŒช๏ธ The cheating crisis continues to plague gaming experiences in the battle royale genre.

Given these challenges, developers must act quickly and efficiently. Will they be able to address community concerns and revitalize interest in their title? Their response may dictate the gameโ€™s future in the crowded landscape of battle royales.