3D brawler Varvarion scraps online multiplayer to focus on single-player
The solo developer Polygonomicon has announced that the highly anticipated, anime-style 3D sword-fighting game, Varvarion, will not include online multiplayer features.
The decision was made after extensive research and experimentation, with the developer choosing instead to focus on creating a robust single-player experience and local multiplayer modes.
Varvarion gained significant attention after its initial announcement in 2020 for its flashy, high-speed combat that aims to replicate the style of anime sword fights.
In a detailed statement, the developer explained the difficult decision to forgo online play.
“After much research, experiments, and contemplation, it was apparent that online multiplayer features are simply out of scope for my current programming skills and the size of the project,” Polygonomicon stated.
“VARVARION is my first attempt at making a game by myself, and that is a big enough challenge by itself. Shipping my first game with a functional online multiplayer will need two miracles back to back, and expecting that to happen is simply not practical.”
Instead of online functionality, development efforts will now be concentrated on the game’s single-player campaign.
It was also confirmed that the game will still feature local, split-screen multiplayer for up to four players in both cooperative and versus modes as a “bonus feature.”
The developer believes this focused approach will result in a “much higher chance of finishing the game in a good state.”
The gameplay of Varvarion is described as a brawler that mixes the tactical “mind games” of a competitive fighting game with the chaotic scale of an action title.
Built in the Unity engine, the combat system allows players to chain together dodges, parries, and flashy finishers in cinematic duels and group melees.
While acknowledging the disappointment some fans might feel, the developer concluded by saying:
“Making an Online MultiPlayer game is still one of my dreams, and I don’t have any intentions on giving up on it, but now is simply not the time… I will do my best to make it a good game.”
Varvarion is currently planned for a PC release via Steam, though a final launch date has not yet been announced.
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