Devs list 10 reasons not to buy the hit FPS

You know a developer is truly confident in their creation when they are willing to lay out all the reasons you might choose not to buy it. That’s the philosophy driving the latest development log for Wardogs, the tactical milsim FPS that is set to arrive in early access this September.

Wardogs has managed to build significant buzz this year, securing a spot among Steam’s top-wishlisted games and rapidly becoming one of Steam’s top-selling premium titles. Following a handful of hours played in a closed beta this past weekend, many who experienced the game were immediately won over, suggesting that Wardogs might be something truly special.

But confidence doesn’t mean ignoring potential drawbacks. Developer Bulkhead is transparently addressing some of the common concerns surrounding early access games, laying out the realities of the development journey and setting expectations for players before they commit to a purchase. The studio offers a unique perspective on how communities form around games.

For instance, regarding content, the team made it clear that focus during the early access phase will be squarely on bug fixes, gathering player feedback, and introducing a new map. They explicitly state that players should not expect regular, continuous content drops throughout this period, ensuring expectations are accurately set from the outset.

When it comes to pricing, Bulkhead advises potential buyers to consider the value proposition carefully. The game is available for pre-order on Steam for $39.99 during the beta phase. They encourage those who feel the price point is too high to wait for future releases or opt for a refund if they do not enjoy the current experience.

Perhaps the most striking points involve the community dynamics and monetization strategy. The team acknowledges that initial player numbers will naturally fluctuate, expecting some players to fall away over time as external noise can distract from the game’s core appeal. Their goal is long-term sustainability: settling into a close-knit community of between 3,000 to 5,000 daily concurrent players who genuinely love the game.

To foster this environment, Wardogs will strictly avoid monetization during early access. In-game gold bars and cosmetic purchases like camos are off-limits, with the sole exception being an optional supporter’s edition. This commitment ensures that player engagement remains focused on gameplay rather than financial incentives.

The developers also shared a candid look back at their history, noting the experience of developing Battalion 1944. They reflected that while they aimed for success, achieving a strong community proved challenging due to low player counts and logistical hurdles, which impacted publisher relationships and profit margins. This context is provided not as an excuse, but as a measure of the studio’s commitment to authenticity.

Wardogs is set to launch on September 10th, with pre-ordering now available to grant access to the beta starting August 21st. The message from Bulkhead is clear: while the game promises exciting tactical gameplay, it also offers an honest roadmap for what players can expect—and what they should expect—from this new endeavor.