Paragon: Epic Games’ Ambitious MOBA Endeavor Revisited
Updated On: February 14, 2024 by 
Ciaran Connolly
Have you ever found yourself lost in nostalgia, thinking back to a game that was gone too soon? We know the feeling all too well, particularly when it comes to Paragon – Epic Games‘ MOBA masterpiece.
With a mix of meticulous research and our own heartfelt experiences, we’re delving into this audacious endeavour to uncover its journey from glory to obscurity. Join us as we explore the tale of Paragon; who knows, you might just rediscover what’s been absent from your gaming exploits!
Key Takeaways
- Paragon, developed by Epic Games using Unreal Engine 4, aimed to offer a unique third-person MOBA experience but was closed in 2018 due to Fortnite’s success.
- The game struggled against established competitors like League of Legends and DOTA 2 and the extended beta phase failed to build a large player base.
- After its closure, Paragon’s assets were made public, allowing creators across the gaming community to utilise them for new projects.
- Overprime marks the return of Paragon under new management with improvements such as balanced gameplay and enhanced graphics.
- Positive early reception for Overprime suggests potential growth as it competes within the crowded MOBA market.
Origins of Paragon
Paragon was developed under Epic Games, a well-known game development company. It went through beta testing and gained early reception for its unique hero selection and team-based gameplay.
Development under Epic Games
We poured our creativity and technical expertise into Paragon, harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 4 to bring this ambitious MOBA to life. Our team dedicated two years—from 2016 to its eventual closure in 2018—to develop a game that introduced a fresh take on team-based gameplay with unique skills for each hero.
Throughout development, we focused on creating a visually stunning third-person experience that stood out from other titles in the genre.
As developers, we strived to introduce innovative features that would captivate both game experts and novices alike. By making Paragon’s assets public after shutting down, we opened up new possibilities within the gaming community.
This move not only showcased our commitment to supporting creators but also ensured that Paragon’s legacy could inspire future projects within the video game industry. Now let us delve into the beta testing phase and early reception of this freetoplay adventure.
Beta testing and early reception
Paragon underwent beta testing for over two years during its development phase. Gamers and industry experts eagerly anticipated the game, thanks to Epic Games’ reputation. The early reception was generally positive, particularly regarding the stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4.
Players especially admired the team-based gameplay mechanics and diverse roster of heroes that set Paragon apart from other titles in the genre.
The beta testing period allowed for valuable feedback on balancing issues and gameplay dynamics, contributing to refining the core experience before its official launch. This helped build a strong community around the game even before it went live, creating a solid foundation for Paragon’s initial release.
Reasons for Paragon’s Closure
Paragon faced closure due to Epic Games’ focus on Fortnite, which had become a massive success and took priority over the MOBA game. Despite efforts, Paragon struggled to gain traction in the highly competitive gaming market.
Focus on Fortnite
Epic Games shifted their focus to developing Fortnite, a massively popular battle royale game, which led to the eventual shutdown of Paragon. The overwhelming success and demand for Fortnite influenced the company’s decision to allocate more resources and attention to its development, resulting in decreased support for Paragon.
This strategic shift underscored Epic Games’ commitment to adapting to market trends and prioritising projects with the most potential for lasting success.
The decision to redirect efforts towards Fortnite significantly impacted Paragon’s development and ultimately contributed to its closure. As a result, the team-based gameplay and ambitious features of Paragon were overshadowed by Epic Games’ dedication to nurturing the growth of Fortnite as their flagship title.
Struggles to gain traction
Paragon encountered difficulties in gaining traction within the competitive MOBA market. Despite being developed by Epic Games and powered by their own Unreal Engine 4, Paragon faced challenges in standing out among established titles.
The game’s beta testing phase, which spanned over two years, failed to attract a substantial player base, contributing to its struggle for widespread recognition and popularity.
The competition from other well-established MOBAs also hindered Paragon’s ascent; it was overshadowed by popular titles like League of Legends and DOTA 2. Additionally, Epic Games’ shift in focus towards Fortnite diverted resources away from nurturing Paragon’s growth.
Overprime: The Revival
Following the closure of Paragon, the game has been revived under new ownership with the return of popular features and a renewed focus on improving the overall gameplay experience.
The revival has brought new hope to dedicated fans and sparked interest among newcomers looking for a fresh take on team-based multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games.
New ownership
In 2022, Paragon was announced to be making a comeback under new ownership. This exciting development brought hope for the revival of the beloved MOBA game. The new owners aimed to bring back popular features while also introducing fresh updates and improvements to enhance the gameplay experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
Under new ownership, Paragon’s return sparked interest within the gaming community, igniting anticipation for what the future holds for this multiplayer online battle arena title. The change in management signified a promising opportunity for players to once again immerse themselves in the team-based TPS action that made Paragon an engaging and dynamic gaming experience.
Return of popular features
Under new ownership, the revival of Paragon has brought back some cherished elements that were well-received during its initial run. Here are the highlights:
- The reintroduction of diverse and unique heroes, each with their own playstyle and abilities, offers a refreshing take on team-based gameplay.
- Revamped maps and environments provide a visually stunning backdrop for thrilling multiplayer battles, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- Improved matchmaking and balance adjustments aim to create fair and competitive matches for players of all skill levels.
- The return of fan – favorite game modes adds variety and excitement to the gameplay, catering to different preferences within the MOBA community.
- Enhanced communication tools and social features facilitate teamwork among players, fostering a stronger sense of camaraderie within the game.
- Refinements to in – game mechanics and user interface contribute to a more polished and immersive gaming environment, drawing both new and returning players into the fold.
- The reimagination of progression systems and rewards offers a more rewarding journey for players as they strive for mastery in Paragon’s dynamic world.
Reception and Future Plans
– The reception of Overprime has been positive, with many players praising the return of popular features from Paragon. The game is still in its early stages, but developers have promised planned updates and improvements to keep the game fresh and engaging for players.
Comparison to other MOBAs
When Overprime steps into the arena to rekindle the spirit of Paragon, it’s essential to understand how it stacks up against other titans of the MOBA genre. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for both game experts and novices alike.
| Feature | Overprime (Paragon Revisited) | Other Popular MOBAs |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Perspective | Third-person view, offering immersive combat | Typically top-down or isometric view for strategic oversight |
| Graphics | High-fidelity visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4 | Varies, with some prioritising a stylised aesthetic over realism |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Strives for deep strategic play with a focus on action | Range from casual-friendly to complex, with varying emphasis on strategy or action |
| Learning Curve | Challenging for novices due to nuanced hero abilities | Diverse, some are easy to pick up while others require significant time to master |
| Monetisation | Free-to-play, with assets made available to the public by Epic Games | Mostly free-to-play with in-game purchases or cosmetic upgrades |
| Community and Support | Renewed under new ownership, with plans for updates | Established communities with regular updates and developer involvement |
| Game Modes | Classic MOBA objectives with a unique twist on roles and lanes | Often include a variety of modes such as ranked, unranked, and sometimes custom games |
| Hero Selection | Diverse roster with unique designs, leveraging Epic’s high-quality assets | Typically feature expansive hero pools with frequent new additions |
| Platforms | Originally PC-focused, with potential for cross-platform play in the future | Many are available across multiple platforms, including mobile versions for on-the-go gaming |
We’re excited to see Overprime bring back fan-favourite features, and await eagerly to witness its place in the ever-evolving MOBA landscape.
Planned updates and improvements
- The new ownership has promised enhanced graphics and visual effects, leveraging Unreal Engine 4 to elevate the game’s immersive experience.
- Character balancing will be a focal point to ensure fair and competitive gameplay, addressing concerns from the previous iteration.
- A revamped progression system will offer more rewarding and engaging player experiences, encouraging long-term engagement and investment in the game.
- The return of beloved features such as unique hero abilities and dynamic map elements aims to reignite the excitement among dedicated players.
- Significant efforts are being made to introduce new heroes with diverse playstyles, injecting fresh dynamics into team-based combat engagements.
- Improved matchmaking algorithms are in the works to minimise queue times and ensure balanced team compositions for more enjoyable matches.
- Community feedback is actively sought after, with regular communication channels established to gather input on potential improvements and features.
Conclusion
In summary, Paragon was an ambitious multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Epic Games. The game struggled to gain traction due to the company’s focus on Fortnite. However, with new ownership and a revival in the form of Overprime, players have seen a return of popular features and planned updates that could shape its future.
The community is eager to see how it will fare among other MOBAs.
FAQs
1. What was Paragon by Epic Games?
Paragon was an ambitious multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Epic Games, featuring team-based gameplay where players battled it out in a strategic environment.
2. How did you play Paragon?
In Paragon, you joined forces with other players to form a team and compete against an opposing team in fast-paced matches with the goal of destroying the enemy’s core base through teamwork and strategy.
3. Why is Paragon considered Epic Games’ ambitious endeavor?
Epic Games set out to make a unique impact on the MOBA genre with high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay mechanics, marking its entry as a significant endeavor into competitive team-based gaming.
4. Can I still play Paragon today?
Unfortunately, despite its ambition and potential for great team-based action, Epic Games discontinued support for Paragon; hence it’s no longer available to play.
