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Sniper Elite Battle Royale Scrapped: The Reasons Behind the Decision

Rebellion, the studio behind the Sniper Elite series, recently shed light on why a planned battle royale game in the franchise was abandoned after a public playtest last year. The decision, tied to shifting market trends and strategic choices, offers insight into the challenges of entering the competitive battle royale genre.

A Bold Experiment That Didn’t Pan Out

Last summer, excitement buzzed around a potential Sniper Elite battle royale, but by November, news broke that the project had been canceled. Reports at the time pointed to funding issues with Tencent, a key partner. While Rebellion focused on promoting its single-player title, Sniper Elite: Resistance, which launched in January, details about the battle royale’s cancellation remained scarce until recently.

Insights from Rebellion’s Leadership

In a discussion with a gaming business outlet, Rebellion’s CEO, Jason Kingsley, explained the reasoning behind the project’s termination. He noted that the collaboration with Tencent was a unique opportunity to explore how both companies operated, rather than a typical work-for-hire arrangement. Ultimately, the decision to halt development stemmed from a changing market landscape. Kingsley highlighted that the battle royale genre had evolved significantly, making it difficult for a new entry to stand out.

A Crowded Battle Royale Market

With titles like Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends dominating the battle royale scene, Rebellion and Tencent concluded that a Sniper Elite battle royale might not capture the attention needed to succeed. The genre’s saturation and the timing of the project likely played a role in the decision to pull the plug. Despite the cancellation, Kingsley emphasized that Rebellion maintains a positive relationship with Tencent, viewing the experience as a valuable learning opportunity.

Rebellion’s Continued Success

Following the cancellation, Rebellion has thrived with the release of Atomfall in March, a title that has resonated with players. Both Atomfall and Sniper Elite: Resistance are available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and through the Game Pass Ultimate catalog, showcasing the studio’s ability to deliver compelling experiences outside the battle royale space.

Looking Ahead: Independence and Future Plans

When asked about the possibility of acquisition by a larger company, Kingsley expressed skepticism, stating that any potential buyout would need to offer more than just financial incentives. It would require alignment with a vision that enhances Rebellion’s creative goals. For now, the studio remains focused on its independence, continuing to develop its flagship franchises like Sniper Elite and Atomfall.

1 Comment

  • Roland Ratte May 27, 2025

    I really love the Sniper Elite games. I’ve played them all.
    I’m not sure what ‘Battle Royale’ means to be honest. My favourite mode is Campaign, with no one else butting in. I might go co-op someday and play them through again, but that is unlikely now because I have developed RSI in my right thumb joint. Not just through gaming on my PS4, but also simply using the mouse with my Desktop.
    If they bring out new levels for Sniper Elite 5 or ‘Resistance’ though, I am very likely to ‘chance my thumb’, if you get my gist.

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