Hunt: Showdown, Crytek's first-person survial horror multiplayer game, is going through some major changes. Today Crytek, the game's publisher and developer, announced that Hunt: Showdown would be published by Koch Media on PS4 and Xbox One going forward. That should provide a boost of funds and allow Crytek to focus on game development. As evidence of that, Crytek also announced a ton of new content coming to Hunt: Showdown in the future, near and far.
Update 1.2 will be Hunt: Showdown's next major update. The patch just went live on the game's test servers, indicating that it's not too far from its full release. The update is massive; it includes a new matchmaking system for teams of 3, new Legendary Hunters, and new equipment and weapons. Update 1.2 will also improve Hunt: Showdown's servers, as well as client-side performance issues and bugs. It's a substantial patch that should be a great entry point for new players.
Crytek has bigger plans than update 1.2, however. Crytek also confirms some of its long-term plans that it will be working on after 1.2. As such, these features have no planned release schedule just yet. The list includes major plans like cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation. There's also a brand new solo mode that's entirely PvE in the works. There are also additions coming for those who like Hunt: Showdown as it is, including live events and outfit customization, as well as a brand new map.
Hunt: Showdown is yet another example of how games can continue to grow their players base even after a slow start. The game launched in Early Access on Steam in January 2018, but its monthly average player numbers have continued to grow. That's especially true over the past 12 months. Patch 1.2 may break the game's overall player record and launch it into a new period of success. Needless to say, 2020 looks bright for Crytek and Hunt: The Showdown.
For the time being, however, Crytek has other focuses. Hunt: Showdown isn't even released on PlayStation 4 yet, after all. PS4 gamers will be able to purchase Hunt: Showdown starting February 18. Hunt: Showdown launched on PC and Xbox One in August and September respectively in 2019. Patch 1.2 then will likely be held back in testing at least through the PS4 launch is stable, though it's possible that Crytek has the patch ready for launch, too.
Hunt: Showdown is available now on PC and Xbox One.