The Phenomenon That Keeps it Alive Defies All Rules of Online Gaming

It’s been four years since Valorant launched, and yet, the game shows no signs of slowing down. The game has stayed relevant in a market and world where live service games are hit or miss. Since its release in 2020, the game has seen competitors rise and fall but it remains one of the top games in the FPS genre.

What is keeping the game alive when so many other games in the competitive FPS genre struggle to stay relevant? The answer may lie in Riot Games’ unique ability to balance content updates, player engagement, and the game’s evolving competitive scene.

Valorant‘s Success Has Many Layers And It Will Remain Successful

One of the primary reasons behind Valorant’s enduring appeal is Riot Games’ keen understanding of player behavior. In interviews, production director Arnar Gylfason has noted the idea of “seasonality” in player engagement. It is natural for players to take breaks and return.

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Instead of panicking over dips in player numbers, Riot focuses on offering a variety of updates to draw players back. This ebb-and-flow approach has allowed it to weather the storm while other games struggle to keep their numbers steady.

One factor that sets Valorant apart is Riot’s commitment to addressing player concerns. Whether they’re updating the anti-cheat system, refining agent abilities, or tweaking maps, the developers listen to feedback and adapt.

For example, despite complaints about specific agents, Riot has consistently made changes based on player input. This level of attention ensures that the game never feels stagnant.

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Another crucial aspect of the game’s success is its free-to-play model, which lowers the barrier to entry for new players. However, keeping a free-to-play game alive for years is a challenge many developers fail to meet. Riot has managed to maintain interest through consistent seasonal content and the introduction of new agents, maps, and skins.

Riot Already Knows How This Business Works, And Valorant Will Benefit From It

The comparison between Valorant and other live service games that have failed, such as Concord, is telling. Both games were developed over similar time frames, but Concord failed within a month. Riot’s success, meanwhile, lies in how it differentiated itself from its competitors.

An important update on Concord: . Therefore, at this time, we have decided to take the game offline beginning September 6, 2024, and explore options, including those that will better reach our players.
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The financial backing and long-term vision of Riot also play a crucial role. As a multi-billion-dollar company, Riot has the resources to support the game for years to come. This isn’t just about funding; Riot has a strategy that extends beyond the game itself, incorporating esports and community engagement.

The esports side of the game has also become an integral part of the game, with events like the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) drawing large audiences worldwide. The high level of investment in these events and Riot’s involvement in promoting the game’s esports ecosystem have cemented its place as a staple in the competitive FPS genre.

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The game also benefits from being backed by Riot Games, a company with a proven track record in managing long-term success with online games. League of Legends, Riot’s flagship MOBA, is still one of the most popular games globally despite being over a decade old.

Riot has also managed to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other FPS titles. Games like Overwatch and Apex Legends have suffered due to issues like slow content releases or rampant cheating, leading to sharp declines in player numbers.

What do you think of the success that Riot has found so far? Let us know in the comments!