The fate of a game can be as uncertain in the world of online gaming as a shifting sandstorm; in this light, let’s explore Insurgency Sandstorm, a gritty tactical team-based FPS video game that was developed by New World Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive, It is a sequel to the 2014 indie FPS Insurgency.
Insurgency Sandstorm’s outstanding FPS gunplay, immersive, and perhaps an unsettling sense of realism to its modern middle western setting captured the hearts of gamers upon its launch in 2018. Yet, like a mysterious whisper, a persistent question emerges: ‘Is Insurgency sandstorm dead?’.
We all know it’s not uncommon for once-thriving titles to lose popularity and interest from their fan base over time. Insurgency Sandstorm, even though it stands to be one of the most underrated multiplayer games out there, unfortunately, falls into this category.
Insurgency: Sandstorm
Symphony of Engagement: Analyzing Player Base
In the grand orchestration of gaming, the players compose the symphony, so it’s only right that we delve into the numbers. From the onset, sandstorm’s player count has not been exactly high, averaging only about 4900+ players in 2018, which dropped to 2900+ in 2020, and over the last 30 days, the numbers have continued to decrease, settling at an average of around 2000 players.
It is natural for video games to see a progressive drop in player count over time, especially as new titles are always released, and the fact that Insurgency Sandstorm is in its fifth year is evidence of the gaming industry’s cyclical nature. You can check out the Insurgency Sandstorm player count for more detailed data. Now, looking at the numbers, can we finally answer the question, ‘Is Insurgency sandstorm dead?’ The short and simple answer is no, Sandstorm is not dead and isn’t ready to be buried, and we’ll let you know why, so keep reading.
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Developer Troubles: Dramatic Turns Behind the Scenes
New World Interactive, the creators of Insurgency Sandstorm, was acquired by Embracer Group in 2020. Unfortunately, this transition resulted in many layoffs among staff and developers of the then-newly acquired company. The change in leadership and a significant reduction in the development disrupted the frequency of the game’s updates. Despite these challenges, there remains a ray of hope.
In a recent tweet, the Sandstorm team reassured fans that the game remains in active development. All the planned Year 3 updates, including fixes and new content, are still on the horizon. Also, plans for an early release in 2025 are already in motion.
Insurgency: Sandstorm
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Insurgency Sandstorm?
Even though Insurgency Sandstorm faced some challenges, the game is gearing up for a resurgence. It isn’t ready to visit the afterlife just yet, just like the original Insurgency that was launched all the way back in 2014 and is still able to acquire an average of 500 players daily. So, when it comes to the question, ‘Is Insurgency Sandstorm dead?’ Our response stays the same, especially considering the game’s ongoing sales and untapped potential.
Curious about the life cycles of other popular multiplayer games? Explore our analysis by checking out ‘Is EVE Online Dead?’ for more insights.
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