Is FOMO Ruining Modern Gaming? Remedy Entertainment Thinks So, With ‘FBC: Firebreak’ as the Antidote
The specter of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) looms large in the gaming world, and Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind the upcoming co-op shooter FBC: Firebreak, is taking a stand against what they see as predatory design practices. According to Game Director Mike Kayatta, many modern games are designed to instill a sense of FOMO, pushing players to dedicate countless hours and dollars to keep up. But is this trend truly beneficial for gamers, or is it a manipulative tactic that needs to be re-evaluated?
FBC: Firebreak, set in the universe of Control, aims to be a more manageable experience, offering short, intense bursts of gameplay that respect players' time. "The game is made by middle-aged dads for middle-aged dads," says Remedy's Anssi Hyytiäinen, emphasizing the desire to create a game that's easy to pick up and play with friends.
Kayatta highlights that FBC's sessions are deliberately designed to be short, potentially as little as five minutes. Even completionists can expect to finish the game in 30-40 hours, a stark contrast to games requiring “thousands of hours.” He told IGN that FOMO design concepts have "infected a lot of modern games," and that Remedy intentionally tried to reduce FOMO with FBC.
This stance echoes concerns raised by former Call of Duty veteran developer Mark Rubin, who recently accused Activision of using FOMO and other manipulation tactics to keep players engaged with Call of Duty.
But is FBC: Firebreak any good? Early impressions suggest a solid co-op shooter experience, albeit one with some quirks. One reviewer noted its addictive nature remarking that it is like a bottomless tub of popcorn,. They spent nearly three hours playing with two strangers and it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Also they noted that the game "does a great job of rewarding teams that stick together."
The gameplay revolves around selecting Crisis Kits with unique tools and items, then diving into Jobs (missions) within The Oldest House. Players face waves of Hiss monsters, repair environmental features, and try to survive the chaos.
However, one reviewer noted that the guns are bad. They elaborate further stating that You don't have set classes in Firebreak, instead choosing a 'Crisis kit' with its own tool and upgrades. One of them, the Splash kit, gives you a huge water cannon. I love the option, but that doesn't mean I want every gun to feel as much like a water pistol as these piddly things do.
The most unique job to this reviewer was Paper Chase. They elaborate by stating that: Left 4 Dead let you experience the terror of a zombie plague. Darktide, the grim, gothic majesty of an imperial hive city. Firebreak wants you to destroy thousands of yellow post-it notes.
Ultimately, FBC: Firebreak aspires to be like the old, Left 4 Dead type of co-op shooters. It may not be perfect, but its commitment to respecting players' time and delivering engaging co-op action could make it a refreshing alternative in a market saturated with FOMO-driven titles.
FBC: Firebreak releases on June 17 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus from day one.
What are your thoughts on FOMO in modern gaming? Do you think developers should prioritize respecting players' time, or is FOMO an acceptable part of the gaming landscape? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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