“Knockout City,” developed by Velan Studios, launched on May 21, 2021, as an exciting multiplayer game inspired by dodgeball. Known for its innovative mechanics, engaging gameplay, and cross-platform compatibility, the game quickly captured the attention of players worldwide. However, despite its strong debut and initial surge in the Knockout City player count, the game faced challenges in retaining its audience. Over time, the dwindling numbers contributed to the decision to shut down its servers in June 2023. This article explores the rise and fall of the Knockout City player count, analyzing the game’s lifecycle and uncovering valuable lessons for live-service games.
Early Success and Rapid Growth
Upon its release, “Knockout City” quickly attracted millions of players. Within three days, the game recorded over 2 million players, which grew to 5 million players within two weeks (NME). This remarkable growth was fueled by:
- Cross-Platform Play: Players could seamlessly compete across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
- Free Trial Periods: New players were encouraged to try the game without financial commitment.
- Accessible Yet Strategic Gameplay: The team-based dodgeball mechanics combined simplicity with depth, appealing to casual and competitive gamers.
By May 31, 2021, the game reached a peak of 6,027 concurrent players on Steam (SteamDB). Critics lauded its unique gameplay, comparing it to other accessible multiplayer hits like “Rocket League.”
Transition to Free-to-Play
To address a declining player base, “Knockout City” transitioned to a free-to-play model in mid-2022 (Wikipedia). The strategy aimed to eliminate barriers to entry and attract new audiences. Key features of this model included:
- No Initial Cost: Players could access the game without purchasing it upfront.
- In-Game Purchases: Monetization shifted to cosmetic items like skins and battle passes.
While the transition saw an initial spike in new players, the game struggled to maintain long-term engagement due to increasing competition and a lack of substantial updates.
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Challenges in Retaining Players
Despite its strong foundation, several factors contributed to the game’s decline:
- Rising Competition
Titles like “Fortnite”, “Apex Legends”, and “Valorant” dominated the multiplayer gaming market. Their frequent updates and established player communities diverted attention away from “Knockout City.” - Limited Content Updates
While Velan Studios introduced new maps, modes, and cosmetics, the pace of updates was insufficient to meet player expectations in the highly competitive live-service genre. - Evolving Player Preferences
By 2023, gamers increasingly favored immersive multiplayer experiences and battle royale formats, leaving games like “Knockout City” with a shrinking audience.
By late 2023, the game’s active player base on Steam dropped below 500 daily users.
Server Shutdown and Developer Response
In February 2023, Velan Studios announced that Season 9 would be the game’s final update, with official servers shutting down on June 6, 2023. The decision was attributed to challenges in sustaining the live-service model, including dwindling player numbers and rising operational costs.
To soften the blow, Velan Studios released a private server version for PC, empowering players to host their own matches and preserve the game’s legacy. This move demonstrated the developers’ commitment to their community, allowing fans to continue enjoying “Knockout City” independently.
Community-Led Revival
Following the server shutdown, “Knockout City” experienced a resurgence among dedicated fans. The private server model sparked renewed interest, with players organizing community-driven events and tournaments. Key developments included:
- Custom Events: Fans hosted themed matches and competitive leagues, fostering creativity and engagement.
- Active Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit and Discord became central hubs for matchmaking and sharing server setups.
- Game Modding: The private server release allowed players to experiment with customized game modes, enhancing replayability.
These efforts ensured that “Knockout City” retained a niche but vibrant player base, even after its official closure.
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Lessons from “Knockout City”
The rise and fall of “Knockout City” offer valuable insights for game developers navigating the live-service market:
- Consistent Updates Are Essential
Frequent, meaningful updates are crucial for sustaining player interest in live-service games. Introducing new maps, game modes, and seasonal content could have kept the player base engaged. - Timely Adaptation Is Key
Transitioning to a free-to-play model was a necessary step, but implementing it earlier might have prevented a significant decline in players. - Empower Communities
The release of private servers highlights the importance of engaging and empowering the community, ensuring that the game’s legacy continues beyond official support.
The Current State of “Knockout City” (2024)
As of November 2024, “Knockout City” remains active through private servers. Players continue to host matches, organize tournaments, and develop custom rules, preserving the spirit of the game. While its player base is smaller than at launch, the dedicated community ensures its legacy endures as a unique and memorable multiplayer experience.
Conclusion
“Knockout City’s” trajectory highlights the challenges of maintaining a live-service game in a competitive industry. While its innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay earned initial success, the lack of sustained updates and increasing competition ultimately led to its decline. However, the game’s community-driven revival showcases the enduring power of fan dedication. Developers can draw valuable lessons from “Knockout City,” emphasizing the importance of consistent updates, timely adaptations, and community empowerment.
FAQs for Knockout City Player Count
1. What was the peak player count for “Knockout City”?
The game peaked at 6,027 concurrent players on Steam on May 31, 2021.
2. Why did Velan Studios shut down the servers?
The servers were shut down due to challenges in maintaining a live-service model and declining player numbers.
3. Is “Knockout City” still playable in 2024?
Yes, the game is playable via private servers released by Velan Studios.
4. What made “Knockout City” unique?
The game’s dodgeball-inspired mechanics, cross-platform play, and strategic team-based gameplay set it apart from other multiplayer titles.
5. What lessons can developers learn from “Knockout City”?
Key lessons include the importance of consistent updates, timely adaptation to market trends, and empowering communities to sustain engagement.