Farewell to Realm Royale and Divine Knockout: Hi-Rez Studios Shifts Focus to Smite 2 Amid Competitive Landscape

In a strategic move, Hi-Rez Studios has announced the impending shutdown of the servers for its games Divine Knockout and Realm Royale Reforged, effective February 17, 2025. This decision comes as part of the company's ongoing reorganization efforts, signaling a shift in priorities towards the highly anticipated sequel to its popular third-person MOBA, Smite 2.

Unlocking the Full Experience Before Sunset

To ensure players can make the most of their time with these games, the development teams have implemented measures to enhance the player experience. Evil Mojo, the team behind Realm Royale Reforged, has reduced the cost of all in-game items to a single Crown, while also introducing a daily login reward worth 100 Crowns. This allows players to quickly unlock everything and immerse themselves in the game until the servers go dark.Similarly, Red Beard Games, the studio responsible for Divine Knockout, has taken similar steps to provide players with unfettered access to the game's content.

The Looming Threat of Valve's Deadlock

Hi-Rez CEO Stewart Chisam has acknowledged that the company's primary focus is on the success of Smite 2, the sequel to its popular third-person MOBA. However, this goal has become increasingly challenging due to the recent official reveal of Valve's Deadlock, a third-person MOBA from the makers of Dota 2.Deadlock has already gained significant traction, ranking among the top 30 most-played titles on Steam, despite not yet being available to the broader public. Playtesters have been immensely impressed with the game, marking it as a potential multiplayer hit on Steam and a serious threat to Smite 2's dominance.

Diversifying the Portfolio, Consolidating the Future

Alongside the impending shutdowns of Divine Knockout and Realm Royale Reforged, Hi-Rez continues to support its other titles, including the original Smite, the hero-shooter Paladins, and the tactical shooter Rogue Company. However, the announcement of end-of-service for two of its games has left fans of the remaining titles feeling a bit uneasy about the company's long-term plans.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

The gaming industry is a constantly evolving landscape, and Hi-Rez Studios finds itself in a position where it must carefully navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise. The decision to shut down Divine Knockout and Realm Royale Reforged is a strategic move to consolidate the company's resources and focus on the development of Smite 2, which it hopes will be a game-changer in the third-person MOBA genre.However, the emergence of Valve's Deadlock as a formidable competitor has added a new layer of complexity to Hi-Rez's plans. The impressive performance of Deadlock in early playtests has raised concerns about Smite 2's ability to maintain its dominance in the market, forcing Hi-Rez to reevaluate its strategies and potentially adapt its approach to ensure the success of its flagship title.

Embracing Change, Securing the Future

The shutdown of Divine Knockout and Realm Royale Reforged is a bittersweet moment for Hi-Rez Studios and its loyal fans. While it signifies the end of an era for these games, it also represents the company's commitment to prioritizing its resources and focusing on the development of Smite 2, a title that it hopes will solidify its position in the highly competitive third-person MOBA landscape.As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Hi-Rez Studios must remain agile and adaptable, ready to embrace the changes and challenges that lie ahead. The success of Smite 2 will be crucial not only for the company's future but also for the continued growth and engagement of its passionate player base.