WARDOGS may get PvE and extraction modes in future DLC—developers BULKHEAD already have a working prototype. At gamescom, the editors spoke with CFO Mark Pinney and CEO Joe Brammer, who confirmed that the studio’s long-term plans extend far beyond the initial Early Access release.
The Early Access release itself is scheduled for September 10th, and then the team intends to gradually move the game toward version 1.0. But even before that, something more interesting was revealed behind the scenes. While answering questions about monetization and retention, Pinney and Brammer unexpectedly mentioned content that is usually kept under wraps.
Brammer’s direct statement sounds encouraging: a prototype of PvE missions already exists, albeit “raw and unpolished,” but playable. The studio doesn’t plan to limit itself to just one DLC. BULKHEAD’s vision is to make WARDOGS a platform for DLC with new game modes over the course of many years. One of these is something similar to Extraction, though they avoid the term itself. The idea is that you enter a mission, collect gear, and then use it in other modes—for example, King of the Hill. This approach, according to the plan, should not only fuel the game financially but also give players new reasons to return.
Time will tell how viable this plan is. However, there’s already a recent example on the market: ARC Raiders. That very Extraction project faced a wave of criticism precisely because of its lack of PvE activities. Fans demanded more solo or co-op missions, and the pressure was so intense that the developers were forced to revise the roadmap.
Will WARDOGS face a similar debate? Considering that a prototype is already in hand, it’s likely the studio has prepared in advance. But simply looking ahead and saying everything will go smoothly is impossible. Community reaction remains the primary variable, and it will determine whether the promised DLCs prove a lifesaver or a stumbling block. One thing is clear: BULKHEAD has no intention of standing still, and WARDOGS will continue to develop new facets in the coming years—the only question is which one will prove most relevant.
