Paragon: The Rise and Fall of Epic Games’ MOBA Venture

Updated On: February 14, 2024 by     What is Esports? Team  

The gaming landscape is a constantly shifting tapestry, with games twinkling into prominence before fading into the shadows. Such was the fate of Epic Games‘ spirited endeavour, Paragon – a MOBA that aspired to captivate over a million active players.

In this piece, we shall recount the story of Paragon, tracing its path from the heights of optimism to an abrupt denouement and whatever lies beyond. Are you prepared for an odyssey marked by soaring ambition and unforeseen twists? Then let us begin our excursion into this digital saga.

Key Takeaways

• Paragon was a MOBA game developed by Epic Games, which entered early access aiming to captivate a large player base with its Unreal Engine 4 graphics and third-person shooter action.
• Despite initial growth and a positive reception during its open beta phase, Paragon faced tough competition from established titles like League of Legends and Dota 2.
• In 2018, due to underperformance in the beta stage and the rising success of Fortnite, Epic Games announced Paragon’s shutdown, leaving its community disappointed.
• The dedicated following around Paragon demonstrated the importance of player retention and engagement for online games’ longevity.
• After cancellation, hopes for revival emerged when new ownership introduced “Paragon: The Overprime,” showing potential for transformation in the gaming industry.

What is Paragon and How Did It Start?

Development by Epic Games, Paragon was a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that featured team-based combat and strategic gameplay. The game started with an early access release, which quickly grew its player base and generated excitement within the gaming community.

Development by Epic Games

We set out to conquer the MOBA market with Paragon, a game crafted using our state-of-the-art Unreal Engine 4. Our team at Epic Games poured countless hours into creating a visually stunning and dynamic third-person shooter (TPS) action MOBA.

We aimed to revolutionise the genre by combining traditional team-based gameplay with unique heroes and skills.

As we opened doors to early access players, our ambitions were high for establishing a robust player count that would sustain Paragon’s success in the competitive gaming sphere. The trajectory pointed towards reaching an impressive one million active users, showcasing our commitment to building and self-promoting innovative games within the freetoplay model.

Early access release

Epic Games released Paragon in early access, allowing players to jump into the game and experience its TPS action MOBA gameplay. The release showcased the potential of the game, drawing attention from both casual and competitive gamers.

As a result, Paragon saw a growing player base during this phase as players embraced the team-based battles and unique features of the game powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 4.

The early access release marked an exciting time for Paragon fans as they eagerly anticipated the full launch of the game while also offering valuable feedback to help shape its development.

Growing player base

Paragon initially attracted a growing player base when it entered its early access release. Powered by Epic Games’ own Unreal Engine 4, the game showed promise and was on track to potentially reach 1 million active players, highlighting Epic’s strategy in building and self-promoting their games.

This surge in interest exemplified the ever-growing popularity of team-based multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games and signified Paragon’s potential to make an impact in the gaming industry.

The growing player base underscored Epic Games’ attempt to capitalise on the MOBA subgenre’s rising fame while reflecting the competitive landscape of team-based video games. The game’s trajectory towards reaching millions of players showcased its appeal among both gaming novices and experts, making it a pivotal part of Epic Games’ venture into this highly competitive market segment.

The Rise of Paragon

During the rise of Paragon, Epic Games launched an open beta that received positive reception from players. The game faced competition with other MOBAs but managed to grow its player base and establish a loyal following.

Launch of open beta

Paragon was propelled into the gaming world when it hit open beta, drawing attention as a potential competitor in the MOBA space. Epic Games strategically utilised this phase to gather feedback from players and fine-tune the gameplay experience.

The game’s open beta release marked a significant milestone for Paragon, attracting new players while also solidifying its position within the competitive gaming landscape.

The launch of open beta saw Paragon securing positive reception from gamers and critics alike, showcasing promising aspects that hinted at future success. This early period played an essential role in building momentum for the game, encouraging player engagement, and setting the stage for further development and growth.

Positive reception from players

Following the launch of open beta, Paragon received a positive reception from players. The game garnered attention for its stunning visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics which set it apart in the competitive MOBA market.

Epic Games made a concerted effort to engage with their community by actively seeking feedback and implementing player suggestions, fostering a loyal and supportive player base. As Paragon continued to evolve through regular updates and additions, players welcomed the developer’s dedication to improving their gaming experience.

This positive reception indicated that Paragon had the potential to become a significant contender in the MOBA genre.

Competition with other MOBAs

After gaining positive reception from players, Paragon faced stiff competition from other popular MOBAs in the market. Established titles like League of Legends and Dota 2 had already captured a significant share of the player base, making it challenging for Paragon to carve out its own niche.

The game also encountered fierce competition from emerging MOBA games, which further intensified the battle for player engagement. This competitive landscape created an environment where maintaining and growing a loyal player base became increasingly difficult.

The Fall of Paragon

Epic Games announced the shutdown of Paragon in 2018, focusing on their hit game Fortnite instead, impacting the loyal player base. Read on to discover more about the rise and fall of this popular MOBA venture.

Announcement of shutdown

Epic Games made the decision to cancel Paragon due to its beta version underperforming. The focus shifted towards developing the highly successful Fortnite, leading to the shutdown of Paragon.

This move was part of Epic Games’ strategic decision to allocate resources where they believed they would have the most impact, ultimately signaling a significant shift in their gaming portfolio.

The cancellation of Paragon sparked disappointment among its loyal player base and raised questions about the future of the game. However, it also presented an opportunity for new ownership and potential revival under different management.

Focus on developing Fortnite

Epic Games made a strategic decision to focus on developing Fortnite, which had gained immense popularity and established itself as a major player in the battle royale genre. This shift in focus led to the cancellation of Paragon, as Epic recognised the potential for success with Fortnite.

The company’s commitment to refining and expanding Fortnite demonstrated their dedication to adapting and evolving based on market trends and player demands.

As Epic Games shifted their attention to developing Fortnite, they effectively redirected resources towards enhancing one of the most successful games in recent history. This move not only solidified their position in the gaming industry but also showcased their ability to recognise rapidly changing market dynamics and respond accordingly.

Impact on loyal player base

After the announcement of Paragon’s shutdown and Epic Games’ decision to focus on developing Fortnite, loyal players were left disappointed and uncertain. The sudden closure of the game meant that their dedication and investment in Paragon would come to an abrupt end, leaving them without a familiar virtual world to inhabit.

Many dedicated players expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media platforms, highlighting the impact that such decisions by game developers can have on a loyal player base.

Despite this setback, it is heartening to see how some dedicated community members have rallied together in hopes of resurrecting Paragon under new ownership.

The Legacy of Paragon

Players mourned the loss of Paragon when Epic Games announced its shutdown, but a new ownership has given hope for revival with Paragon: The Overprime. This shows the lasting impact and legacy of the game within the gaming community.

Players mourning the loss

The announcement of Paragon’s shutdown left loyal players devastated. The community mourned the loss of a game they had invested time and passion into, with many expressing their sadness on social media platforms.

Players formed support groups and shared memories as they coped with the sudden end of an experience that had become a significant part of their lives.

Epic Games’ decision to focus on Fortnite overshadowed the grief felt by Paragon players, but it also ignited hope for potential opportunities in future gaming ventures.

New ownership

Under new ownership, Paragon is making a comeback as Paragon: The Overprime. This change has breathed new life into the game’s community, giving hope to loyal players who mourned its shutdown.

The revival underlines the resilience of the gaming industry and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Paragon. It also reflects the potential for rebirth and transformation within the competitive landscape of multiplayer online battle arena games.

Paragon’s return marks an exciting chapter in its history, offering both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike an opportunity to witness a unique narrative of closure and resurgence in the world of MOBAs.

Revival as Paragon: The Overprime

Paragon’s cancellation left many players in dismay, but recently, the game has seen new life through Overprime. Under new ownership, this revival brings hope for fans and potential for growth within the gaming community.

The return of Paragon as Overprime serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of multiplayer online battle arena games, demonstrating that even after setbacks, there is always potential for rebirth and evolution.

With the gaming industry constantly evolving, such comebacks illustrate the lasting impact and ever-changing nature of player preferences.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

The rise and fall of Paragon sheds light on the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry, emphasising the significance of player retention and community support. It serves as a valuable case study for game developers looking to enter the competitive landscape of MOBA games.

The significance of player retention

Player retention is crucial for the success of any online game. Retaining a loyal player base ensures ongoing engagement and community support, which are essential for the longevity and growth of a game.

By keeping players engaged and satisfied with regular updates, new content, and responsive community management, game developers can enhance player retention. This fosters a vibrant in-game community that attracts new players and sustains interest over time.

In the case of Paragon’s revival as Paragon: The Overprime under new ownership, it underscores the significance of player retention in shaping the future potential of a once-forgotten gaming title.

Gamer novices may not realise how vital their continued participation is to maintaining an active gaming community; however, it’s this consistent involvement that contributes to building a thriving environment for everyone involved.

The power of a strong community

Paragon’s journey showcased the power of a strong community in shaping the gaming landscape. The game initially struggled to establish a robust player base, but it was the dedication and support of its loyal community that kept it afloat during challenging times.

Their feedback and passion were instrumental in driving positive changes within the game, demonstrating the significant impact that an engaged community can have on a game’s development and success.

The unwavering commitment of Paragon’s community members highlighted their crucial role as advocates for the game, ultimately influencing its revival under new ownership. This resilience serves as a testament to the powerful influence of a dedicated player base in shaping the trajectory and potential resurgence of games within the ever-evolving gaming industry.

The unpredictable nature of the gaming industry

The gaming industry constantly surprises us with its unpredictability, making it a challenging environment for developers and publishers. Rapid changes in player preferences, technological advancements, and market trends can dramatically affect the success or failure of a game.

For instance, Epic Games’ decision to cancel Paragon due to underperformance in its beta version showcases how a once-promising title can quickly lose momentum in the competitive world of MOBAs.

This volatility highlights the need for adaptability and resilience in navigating the ever-changing landscape of game development.

Amidst this unpredictability, opportunities also arise for games like Paragon to find new life under different ownership or through innovative revivals. The gaming industry’s dynamic nature demands constant innovation and engagement with players’ evolving desires.

FAQs

1. What was Paragon in the gaming world?

Paragon was a team-based multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Epic Games, offering intense action and strategic gameplay.

2. Why did Epic Games create Paragon?

Epic Games created Paragon to enter the popular MOBA market, aiming to bring a fresh experience with unique characters and stunning graphics to gamers.

3. How long was Paragon active for players?

Paragon launched into beta in 2016, but despite its potential, it was shut down by Epic Games in April 2018 after struggling to maintain a strong player base.

4. What led to the fall of Paragon as an Epic Games venture?

The shutdown of Paragon came about due to several factors, including stiff competition from other established MOBAs and difficulties in retaining players over time.