Steam Chart Climb: 10 Reasons Not To Buy It

In the competitive world of massive multiplayer shooters, trust is a rare commodity. Yet, developer Bulkhead is taking a bold, almost tongue-in-cheek approach to marketing their upcoming title, Wardogs, by publicly listing ten legitimate reasons why potential players should choose not to jump in. It’s less a sales pitch and more an honest accounting of the challenges inherent in creating a hardcore experience.

When Bulkhead revealed the details of the project, they set the stage for early access on September 10th, but instead of focusing solely on the excitement of intense combat, they laid out a sobering roadmap. They presented these ten points—ranging from pricing concerns and visual fidelity to the inherent risks of milsim gameplay and even acknowledging their previous failures—as necessary warnings.

The list covers a wide spectrum of potential player hesitation. Financial anxieties take center stage with issues surrounding early-access pricing, which begins at $40 and escalates throughout development before settling at $60. There are concerns about the future player base, monetization strategies down the line, and technical execution, including performance and visual quality.

Beyond the financial hurdles, the list delves into the core mechanics of Wardogs. It addresses the specific challenges of making true decisions and consequences central to the experience, highlighting how its milsim-style gameplay—where death necessitates a grueling trek back to the frontlines and the constant need to rebuy lost equipment—demands patience and strategic depth.

Perhaps the most poignant warning stems from the history of the development team. Bulkhead openly referenced the struggles of their previous title, Battalion: 1944. That shooter, which struggled to maintain a player base and faced significant criticism, served as a crucial lesson. The team admitted that the cautious approach taken in developing Wardogs is built directly upon the lessons and scars acquired from that experience.

This history underscores Bulkhead’s transparency. They made it clear that while they understand the skepticism stemming from past developments, the caution is rooted in a desire to build something sustainable. This commitment extended to monetization; developers confirmed that Wardogs will avoid immediate monetization methods like battle passes or paid skins, opting instead for long-term sustainability rather than short-term profit.

The team also addressed technical details, noting the need to manage performance and visuals effectively, while also acknowledging factors like support for controller input and VOIP functionality. By addressing these difficult topics head-on, Bulkhead sought to establish trust, assuring potential buyers that they are offering a deeply considered experience forged by past mistakes.

Despite the list of caveats, the project is gaining traction. While the warnings remain on the table, Wardogs is currently climbing the Steam top-seller charts, demonstrating that the promise of this hardcore shooter resonates with players hungry for authentic, challenging military simulation.