BLACK 2? Why Now is the Perfect Time for the FPS Epic Franchise to Make a Comeback (Black Returns)!

Raphael Jorge
4 min readJan 19, 2023

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Black 2 concept fan made artwork (non-official artwork)

The first-person shooter (FPS) genre has been a staple in the gaming industry for decades, with countless titles vying for the attention of players. One franchise that made a significant impact in the FPS space was BLACK, which was first released in 2006 by Criterion Games. The game was praised for its intense gameplay, cinematic presentation, and unique use of destructible environments. Despite its initial success, the franchise has been dormant for over a decade, leaving fans wondering when and if a sequel will ever be released.

One of the key factors behind the success of BLACK was its emphasis on intense, fast-paced action. The game featured a wide variety of weapons, each with its own unique feel and power. Players could blow holes in walls and buildings, creating new paths and tactics for each encounter. The game’s AI was also praised for providing a challenging and dynamic experience.

Another aspect that set BLACK apart from other FPS titles was its cinematic presentation. The game featured a Hollywood-style storyline, complete with cutscenes, voice acting, and a pulse-pounding soundtrack. This helped to create a truly immersive experience for players, making them feel like they were part of an action movie.

Despite its initial success, a sequel to BLACK has yet to be announced. However, the game’s dedicated fanbase remains hopeful that a new title will eventually be released. The FPS genre has evolved significantly in the years since BLACK’s release, with new technologies and gameplay mechanics being introduced. A new BLACK game would have the opportunity to take advantage of these advancements and deliver an even more thrilling experience for players.

With the FPS genre still being as popular as ever and the current FPS market dominated by the Call of Duty and Battlefield franchises, now is the perfect time for BLACK to make its comeback and elevate the level of FPS games.

One major factor that makes now the perfect time for BLACK to return is the recent decline of the Battlefield franchise. The franchise’s latest BF games, “Battlefield V” and “Battlefield 2042” was met with mixed reviews and struggled to maintain a player base. The game’s development was plagued with numerous problems, including a lack of content and bugs, leaving many players disappointed. This has led to a large portion of the FPS community moving away from Battlefield and towards the Call of Duty franchise.

Electronic Arts (EA) is a major player in the gaming industry, but in recent years, the company has faced criticism for a number of controversial releases, particularly in the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. The Battlefield franchise, which is published by EA, has struggled to maintain a player base and has been criticized for a lack of content and bugs. This, along with other unpopular releases, has left EA in need of redemption in the FPS market.

Battlefiled 2042 bug screenshot

The Call of Duty franchise, specifically the Modern Warfare sub-series and its Warzone free-to-play game, has seen massive success in recent years. The franchise has maintained a large player base, and Warzone has become a phenomenon in the gaming community. However, there is a growing demand for more diversity in the FPS market and a new game in the BLACK franchise could provide just that. Right?

Black’s emphasis on intense, fast-paced action and destructible environments set it apart from other FPS titles, and a new game in the franchise could once again offer something unique and exciting to the FPS community. A new BLACK game would also have the opportunity to take advantage of the advancements in technology since the original game’s release, allowing for even more immersive/realistic gameplay and destructible environments. The game could offer players something new and exciting, breaking the monopoly on war-based FPS games and elevating the level of FPS games as a whole.

However, for a new BLACK game to be successful, EA must avoid making the same production mistakes as it did with the Battlefield franchise (Yep, BF again). The game should have a slow-paced production focusing on quality, well-polished and tested gameplay, a solid campaign plot, and a vast multiplayer experience that keeps players engaged for a long time. Additionally, the game should have regular updates, with new content and features to keep players invested in the game. Well, we know the drill about how it should work and what the community wants. But, do they (still) know? (EA)

As a result, the FPS genre remains as popular as ever, and fans would eagerly await a new title in the BLACK franchise. The original game was a smash hit thanks to its unique blend of intense action, destructible environments, and cinematic presentation, and a sequel has the potential to take the series to new heights. A new BLACK game, with the right development team and resources, could once again set the standard for FPS titles and be a major success in the gaming industry. The gaming world and community are too large for just two main franchises, one of which is currently struggling due to multiple production errors (Redemption EA……Redemption) It’s time for another “BLACK” game!

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Raphael Jorge

I am a content creator, musician, marketeer, and tech enthusiast with a passion for creating and learning new stuff. Thank you for visiting my profile.