The gaming world is bearing witness to a miraculous resurrection or a comedic horror story. The angle hinges on your viewpoint. Gigantic, a once favored, free-to-play hero shooter shuffled off the multiplayer coil five years ago. Yet, it's back for an exclusive limited engagement, a three-day disco from October 5 to 7, sending its die-hard fanbase into frenzied jubilation. I, however, am fixating on a bigger question: Is this a heaven-sent opportunity for game preservation, or are we doomed to a new Dante-esque circle in video game Hades?
Gigantic had its moment in the sun, yet like many trends, it passed relatively unnoticed. Beginning its journey in 2014 through various stages of development until its ultimate unveiling across PC and Xbox in 2017. The glory was short-lived as we bore witness to the downfall of its developer, Motiga, just four months after launch. Gigantic found itself sentenced to early retirement by July 2018.
Despite its life cut short, Gigantic secured a cult following, thanks to its succulent blend of Overwatch-esque hero mechanics and inspiring MOBA-based game modes. Now, with the game's temporary revival, this dedicated group is on cloud nine, transforming a once-quiet subreddit into an active hub for this weekend brouhaha.
But who blew life into this defunct adrenaline factory for a swan song round? The culprit is none other than Gearbox, the talented folks behind other classics from Borderlands to Battleborn. The mighty Embracer Group has acquired Gigantic publisher, Perfect World Entertainment, and Gearbox Software. Thus, Gigantic gets a fleeting three-day rebirth under their benevolent wing.
While fans are hopefully whispering prayers for a permanent Gigantic comeback, Gearbox is dousing expectations with a wave of reality-check buckets. The Gigantic Throwback Event is just that - a throwback, a nostalgic walk down memory lane, a fleeting, limited-time love note to its fans.
But should we thank Gearbox leader Randy Pitchford for giving the fans of a long-dead shooter a brief moment of joy? Or consider him gaming's Boris Karloff, tormenting fans and challenging the evolving dynamics of game preservation?
Game preservation usually involves keeping older games accessible for new audiences. But, alas, online games like Gigantic necessitate continuous server upkeep. When a game's profit dips below the sustainability threshold, servers are not long for this world.
One glimmering beacon of online game preservation is, surprisingly, Knockout City. It serendipitously introduced a free Private Server Edition this year, allowing die-hard fans to maintain their gaming fix. If only more games took this selfless route! Then, maybe, the soul cats of heroic Gigantic would not endure this tragic three-day tease.
So, is this the dawn of gaming rapture or a step down a game preservation horror road? That’s up to you. What’s for sure is that we should enjoy the best online games before they vanish into the void.
In my opinion, Gigantic's mere three-day comeback isn't just cruel - it's ironically, well...gigantic!
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