Dropzone Deconstructs The RTS Genre, Goes Live On Steam Early Access

February 15, 2017 Matt Chelen Comments

Gameforge's latest release, Sparkypants Studios' RTS/MOBA hybrid Dropzone, went live on Steam Early Access earlier today. The game attempts to "deconstruct" the RTS genre, making it more accessible to players than the average game in the genre traditionally is, as well as making matches short, "15-minute skirmishes."

Players can jump into 1v1 or 2v2 battles, take part in both PvP and PvE matches, play on custom maps, or play the "cooperative wave-based Infestation mode." Each player controls three "weaponized battle Rigs" that represent "different class-based roles including offense, defense, and support." Players can customize their loadouts by outfitting their Rigs with "hundreds of pieces of unlockable gear," including lasers, proximity mines, grappling hooks, rockets, teleporters, and more, as well as with one of an assortment of pilots.

Dropzone also supports up to 4K resolutions, "skill-based matchmaking," and will eventually support custom tournaments, ranked play, clan support, and "friendly scrimmages for casual players." The game also supports various social features, such as a "built-in Spectator mode," the ability to share replays, and "native livestreaming capabilities."

Sparkypants Studios President Jason Coleman had the following to say about the announcement.

Players are the backbone of Sparkypants Studios, and their feedback and support has helped us turn Dropzone into a game that’s quick and modern while retaining the feel of classic RTS multiplayer.Internally, we’ve said that our goal is to ‘deconstruct’ the RTS genre, working to build an accessible game for a broad range of players that offers fierce competition and flexible play-styles in fast sessions.

GameforgeDirector - North America Publishing & Marketing Christopher Sturr also provided a statement.

Dropzone is a one-of-kind game that is going to surprise a lot of people that are seeing it for the first time; during our closed beta Sparkypants has continued to iterate, build upon and improve Dropzone in response to player feedback.We are confident that Dropzone will not only capture the attention of PC gamers on Steam, but will raise the bar for an Early Access title.

Dropzone is available now on Steam Early Access for $19.99. Those interested can score some extra goodies by purchasing the Commander Edition, which is availablein either a bundle with the base game for $35.99 or as a $19.99 standalone purchase.

Dropzone: Steam Launch Trailer - Now Available!