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Squad's missteps in quest for innovative gunplay uncovered

Squad Shoots Itself In The Foot In Search Of New Gunplay | Community Divided on Game Changes

By

Tina Li

Dec 24, 2025, 11:19 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

2 minutes of duration

A group of team members reviewing gunplay tactics on a whiteboard, highlighting challenges and ideas
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A wave of frustration is sweeping through the Squad community as players express mixed reactions to recent changes aimed at gunplay mechanics. While some celebrate the shift towards realism, others warn the updates could alienate long-time fans.

Context of the Controversy

Following the introduction of the ICO, players accuse developers of promoting casual gameplay while sacrificing teamwork. โ€œThe ICO hate is ridiculous,โ€ one player commented, claiming that the changes aimed to mitigate easy gunplay.

Players argue that the ICO slowed the game at a time when it was veering towards casualization, leading to a backlash from a vocal minority. As comments flood in, some feel the leadership's response to criticism could backfire. Others note, "Itโ€™s not clear, since they are still experimenting and asking the players to test it."

Key Themes from the Community

Here's a quick snapshot of the ongoing discourse:

  • Resentment Over Updates: Many longtime players are disheartened, feeling that the updates could diminish the gameโ€™s original complexity.

  • Mixed Feelings on Realism: Some fans appreciate realism but find the current state frustrating. One player said, "It felt absolutely awful. Suppression is hilariously overtuned."

  • Hopes for Balanced Changes: Despite the dissatisfaction, others remain optimistic. A member stated, "These new adjustments are miles better by comparison."

Notable Player Reactions

  • On Gameplay Difficulties: "ICO made shooting harder running would throw off your aim"

  • Critique of the Game's Direction: โ€œThis sounds like it was written by someone who has no idea what Squad is supposed to be."

  • Frustration with Management Decisions: "They want to kill the playerbase again."

The mixed sentiment is palpable, with sentiments leaning towards negative. Players express concern that changes might push the game further away from its roots and fan base.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ A strong negative sentiment surrounding recent update changes.

  • โ–ฝ Players warn of possible alienation of core fans due to leadership's response to feedback.

  • โ˜… โ€œICO was great All you had to do was rest,

Future Game Trajectories

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that ongoing feedback from the Squad community will compel developers to modify the controversial gunplay updates within the next few months. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that the leadership will reevaluate their approach, particularly if sentiment doesn't shift positively. As players express deep concern over potential alienation, itโ€™s likely that a more balanced blend of realism and complexity will emerge. This response could help address ongoing frustrations as the developers aim to retain their player base while exploring innovative mechanics.

Lessons from the Hidden Corners of History

A curious parallel can be drawn to the evolution of musical genres, specifically how punk rock emerged as a response to the overly polished sounds of mainstream music in the 1970s. Just as punk advocates rejected commercialism for a rawer, more authentic sound, the Squad community may push back against changes that stray too far from their roots. This cyclic shift mirrors the conflict in gaming culture today, where a rejection of casual gameplay might ironically lead to a rebirth of the complexity that originally defined it.