What Game Did Epic Games Shut Down? A Retrospective Look at Paragon
Epic Games, the powerhouse behind Fortnite, the Unreal Engine, and the Epic Games Store, has a history of innovation and, occasionally, difficult decisions. One such decision was the closure of Paragon, a free-to-play MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) that was ambitious, visually stunning, but ultimately unable to capture a sustainable audience. Paragon officially shut down on April 26, 2018.
The Rise and Fall of Paragon
Paragon was initially announced in November 2015 and entered early access in March 2016. Epic Games aimed to create a third-person MOBA experience that distinguished itself from the established titans of the genre, like League of Legends and Dota 2. What set Paragon apart was its focus on:
- Stunning Graphics: Powered by the Unreal Engine, Paragon boasted incredible visuals, with highly detailed character models and environments that were a significant leap forward for the MOBA genre.
- Third-Person Perspective: Unlike the traditional top-down view, Paragon’s third-person perspective offered a more immersive and action-oriented gameplay experience.
- Verticality: The maps were designed with verticality in mind, allowing for strategic positioning and ambushes.
- Card System: A unique card system replaced the traditional item shop, allowing players to customize their heroes with different attributes and abilities.
Despite its initial promise and the considerable resources invested in its development, Paragon struggled to gain traction. Several factors contributed to its downfall:
- Lack of a Clear Identity: Paragon was caught between appealing to hardcore MOBA players and attracting a more casual audience. The card system, while innovative, proved to be confusing and unbalanced for many.
- Frequent Changes: Epic Games constantly iterated on Paragon, making significant changes to the gameplay, map, and hero designs. While intended to improve the game, these constant shifts often alienated existing players and made it difficult for new players to learn.
- The Rise of Fortnite: The runaway success of Fortnite diverted resources and development efforts away from Paragon. Epic Games ultimately decided to focus on Fortnite, which was generating significantly more revenue and attracting a much larger player base.
The Legacy of Paragon
Although Paragon is no longer playable, its legacy lives on in several ways. Epic Games generously released over $12 million worth of Paragon assets for free, allowing developers to use them in their own projects. This act of generosity fostered creativity and innovation within the game development community. The release of these assets underscored Epic’s commitment to the Unreal Engine ecosystem and provided valuable resources for aspiring game creators. You might even find insights that apply to educational game design; the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores these connections in depth.
Furthermore, Paragon’s core gameplay concepts and stunning visuals have influenced other games. Many developers have drawn inspiration from Paragon’s third-person perspective, vertical map design, and hero designs. Several spiritual successors to Paragon have emerged, aiming to recapture the essence of the original game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paragon’s Shutdown
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Paragon and its closure, providing a deeper understanding of the game’s history and impact:
What type of game was Paragon?
Paragon was a free-to-play, third-person MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena).
When did Paragon shut down?
Paragon officially shut down on April 26, 2018.
Why did Epic Games shut down Paragon?
The primary reason was the explosive success of Fortnite. Epic Games decided to concentrate their resources and development efforts on Fortnite, which had become a global phenomenon, making the difficult choice to sunset Paragon.
Was Paragon a popular game?
While Paragon had a dedicated fan base, it never achieved mainstream popularity like League of Legends or Dota 2. Its player base was relatively small and struggled to grow significantly.
How much money did Epic Games spend on Paragon?
While the exact figure is not publicly available, it’s estimated that Epic Games invested millions of dollars into the development and marketing of Paragon.
What happened to the Paragon assets after the game shut down?
Epic Games released over $12 million worth of Paragon assets for free on the Unreal Engine Marketplace, allowing developers to use them in their own projects.
Are there any games similar to Paragon available now?
Yes, there are several “spiritual successors” to Paragon in development or already released, aiming to recreate the third-person MOBA experience. Examples include Predecessor and Overprime.
What was unique about Paragon’s card system?
Paragon’s card system allowed players to customize their heroes with different attributes and abilities by equipping cards earned through gameplay. This replaced the traditional item shop found in other MOBAs.
What engine was Paragon built on?
Paragon was built on the Unreal Engine, which allowed for its stunning graphics and detailed environments.
Could players get refunds for their purchases in Paragon?
Yes, Epic Games offered full refunds to all players who had made purchases in Paragon before its shutdown.
What lessons did Epic Games learn from Paragon’s failure?
One key lesson was the importance of having a clear identity and target audience. Paragon struggled to define itself, which contributed to its challenges in attracting and retaining players. The other was understanding when to pivot.
How did Paragon differ from other MOBAs?
Paragon differed from traditional MOBAs with its third-person perspective, vertical map design, and card system.
What was the community’s reaction to Paragon’s shutdown?
The community was largely disappointed and saddened by the news of Paragon’s shutdown. Many players felt that the game had potential and deserved more time to develop.
What is Epic Games doing now in the MOBA space?
Currently, Epic Games is not actively developing a direct competitor in the MOBA space. Their focus remains on Fortnite and the Unreal Engine.
Is there any chance that Paragon will ever be revived?
While there is no official word from Epic Games about reviving Paragon, the community’s continued interest and the existence of spiritual successors suggest that the concept still has appeal. However, a direct revival by Epic Games seems unlikely given their current priorities.
In conclusion, Paragon was an ambitious and visually impressive MOBA that ultimately fell victim to shifting priorities and challenges in defining its identity. While the game is no longer playable, its legacy lives on through its released assets and the inspiration it has provided to other developers.