Nate Mitchell, the CEO of Mountaintop, recently discussed the successful beta launch and development of their new tactical shooter game, Spectre Divide, in an interview. Mitchell expressed that the beta launch exceeded their expectations, with a high level of excitement among players and streamers. He mentioned that the game received positive feedback and a demand for more beta keys, which he considered a good problem to have.
When asked about the decision to create a 3v3 tactical shooter, Mitchell and game director Lee Horn explained that they were inspired by their love for Counter-Strike and other small team format shooters like Halo doubles and Destiny’s trials. They recognized the benefits of 3v3 gameplay in terms of easier coordination, better communication, and more dynamic matches. However, they wanted to add depth and uncertainty to the game, leading them to develop the unique mechanic of Duality, where players control two characters simultaneously. This mechanic allows players to strategically place their second character in a hidden spot and switch between them instantly, providing the advantage of one mind controlling two bodies.
The interview also touched upon the challenges of creating hiding spots for the spectre and the learning curve for players to make full use of the Duality mechanic. Horn explained that the game’s maps were designed with various hiding places for the spectre, and the spectre spawns in a protected area to offer some safety. He mentioned that it typically takes players around three games to start utilizing the spectre effectively and incorporate it into their strategies.
In terms of appealing to different player bases, Horn highlighted that Spectre Divide’s ADS (Aim Down Sight) gunplay and true cluster accuracy attracted players from other tactical shooters like Valorant, Destiny 2, and Call of Duty. The addition of a second life through the spectre mechanic also made the game more accessible for newcomers and reduced the waiting time between deaths.
When asked about the influence of venture funding on their development process, Mitchell emphasized that their venture partners, like Anthos and Andreessen, provided invaluable support and allowed them to take creative risks without compromising their vision. He mentioned that venture backing was advantageous for creating a studio focused on developing creative and bold games.
Regarding the future of Spectre Divide, Horn revealed that they plan to continuously update the game as a free-to-play live service, with regular seasons and updates. They are also working on console support and cross-play features to broaden the game’s reach. While they are open to experimenting with alternative modes post-launch, their primary focus is on perfecting the core mode and delivering a game that players can invest thousands of hours into.
Overall, Mitchell and Horn expressed confidence in Spectre Divide’s unique gameplay mechanics and its potential to attract both tac shooter enthusiasts and players looking for new challenges. They believe that the game’s focus on depth, coordination, and strategy will provide a fresh experience in the crowded shooter genre.