The world of knockout tag games, especially those that capture a large following initially, can face abrupt endings. Such was the case with Knockout City, the vibrant multiplayer brawler developed by Velan Studios, known for its work with Nintendo on Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. Despite attracting over 12 million players who tried the game, maintaining a sustainable player base proved challenging, which led to the game's shutdown in June last year.
Knockout City’s design took more than four years to craft, a testament to the innovative gameplay and dynamic interactions it offered. The game featured dodgeball-inspired mechanics that were unlike traditional multiplayer titles, focusing on teamwork and quick reflexes in urban settings with imaginative and transformative ball types.
As Velan Studios navigated through the plight and complexities of game development, they were forced to shut down Knockout City. However, the passion the creators have for the project did not cease with the game’s closure. In a recent update from the studio, amidst news of their latest developments including a new multiplayer shooter Midnight Murder Club and the VR venture Bounce Arcade, there was a silver lining for fans of Knockout City. Velan Studios hinted at a possible return to the Knockout City universe, stating, "We would love to return to this particular world when the time is right."
This statement offers a glimmer of hope not just for the fans but also demonstrates the studio's attachment to its creations. Velan emphasizes that while they are eager to explore this world again, they are conscious about not rushing the process. They want to ensure that any future game in the Knockout City universe receives the dedication and development time it deserves to meet both creator and player expectations.
The decision to shut down Knockout City was not taken lightly, especially considering their initial success in player engagement. However, difficulty in sustaining a large player base led to its unfortunate demise. Velan Studios mentioned that despite significant efforts and the large number of players who sampled the game, they were unable to "attract and retain" enough players to keep the service financially viable and dynamic.
The news of Knockout City's closure was a part of a tricky period for Velant Studios, which also involved layoffs following the cancellation of a major project by one of its external partners. This led to a series of reorganizational moves within the company earlier this year. The challenges highlight the often unpredictable nature of the gaming industry, particularly for independent studios navigating partnerships and market dynamics.
