Wardogs Loadouts CEO Confirms Devs Want You to Try New Builds
The Great Loadout Delay: Why Wardogs Developers Are Holding Back Customization
For Wardogs players, the wait is on. You’ve expressed a deep desire for custom loadouts—the ability to craft and personalize your weapon kits. But behind the curtain of the game’s development, a fascinating story of testing, data, and deliberate delay is unfolding. The developers are confirming that the highly anticipated feature is coming, but they are taking their time, determined to ensure that the experience is as smooth and balanced as possible.
The decision to hold back custom loadouts stems from a core principle: the need for thorough experimentation. As the CEO of Bulkhead, Joe Brammer, explained, the team intentionally withheld this feature during the pre-alpha stages. Why? Because allowing players to immediately gravitate toward favorite setups would have skewed the testing data, making it impossible to properly assess the game’s balance across all weapon kits.
Brammer noted that withholding loadouts forced the team to play with every weapon configuration. This process ensured that far more of the game was tested rigorously, providing essential data for future balance decisions. He emphasized that this same cautious thinking applies to the players themselves: they needed to try everything before settling on a preferred setup.
This philosophy was further illustrated by the team’s handling of the rebuy feature. During early testing, the quick rebuy option was popular, but the developers decided to remove it temporarily. This allowed them to gauge player sentiment—seeing if new players were finding the unlock paths intuitive and if overall game sentiment improved. This feedback reinforced the need for careful, data-driven decision-making.
While the option to rebuy has been modified and moved to a less prominent spot, the principle remains the same: testing drives development. Now, the focus shifts to loadouts. Bulkhead is waiting until they feel the game’s mechanics have been put through their paces before introducing player-driven customization.
When loadouts are eventually introduced, they will be accessible through the game’s economy, unlocked with in-game cash earned through the meta game. This means players will have the freedom to “Buy as many as you like, or none at all,” giving them control over their experience without sacrificing the integrity of the game’s balance.
Naturally, players are quick to point out that not having an immediate loadout option doesn’t stop them from manually setting up builds and experimenting with weapons. However, the decision by the developers signals a commitment to data over immediate gratification. It’s a calculated pause, ensuring that when the customization arrives, it enhances the game rather than disrupting the delicate balance that players rely on.
For now, Wardogs players can look forward to the promised feature, knowing that the development team is committed to making sure that when the customization finally arrives, it will be perfectly tuned.
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