Capcom's Exoprimal to Cease Updates Just a Year After Launch

The Rise and Fall of Live-Service Games

Live-service games have become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, with titles like Fortnite dominating the market. However, not all live-service games enjoy long-term success. In fact, many end up being abandoned shortly after their initial release.

2023's Unsuccessful Releases

Several live-service games launched in 2023 have failed to make an impact. Titles like Skull and Bones, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Nightingale, and Foamstars struggled to attract players, with only a few exceptions like Helldivers 2 gaining popularity.

The Case of Capcom's Exoprimal

Capcom's Exoprimal, a team-based shooter where players in mechs battle dinosaurs, is the latest game to halt updates. Despite similarities to successful titles like Earth Defense Force, Exoprimal failed to maintain a player base. The game will continue with existing content on a seasonal basis, recycling Seasons 1-4 every year for three months.

The End of an Era for Exoprimal

As Exoprimal's Season 4 comes to a close on July 11, the game will reset to Season 1 with no new content planned for the future. With dwindling player counts, it's evident why Capcom made the decision to cease further development of the game.

What's Next for Live-Service Games?

The fate of Exoprimal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by live-service games in a competitive market. As players gravitate towards established favorites, new releases struggle to maintain momentum. The industry continues to see more failures than successes in the live-service genre.

For more insights on cancelled games, explore the reasons behind the cancellation of GTA's DLC.