For a lot of people, EA’s decision to have Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2 come out not in just the same year, but also the same quarter, doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense- why would they bring out two big name multiplayer shooters in the same window, and risk cannibalization? Especially given all the competition from other, non EA shooters that will be launching in the market in that period too?
According to EA, that’s because the cumulative halo effect around these two shooters will help them grow their overall presence in the shooter market.
“We also have Titanfall 2. Titanfall 1 was a spectacular launch property for us on the Xbox One, we’re bringing it to the PlayStation this time as well,” EA CEO Andrew Wilson said in an investor’s meeting. “Fast, fluid gameplay. The shooter category is a giant category. We’re a big player in that category, but really only have about 25% of the market share.
“We believe that we’re supremely well positioned in fiscal year 17, with a combination of the epic scale Battlefield and fast and fluid Titanfall to have tremendous growth in that category.”
Personally, I can sort of see what they mean- while both are multiplayer shooters, that’s about where the similarities end. They are completely different brands of gameplay, satisfying two different kinds of gameplay wants and desires. EA may be making a very smart play in the long run here.