Battlefield 2042 marked a strong revival with numbers comparable to the player count at the time of launch day, thanks to a free play offering over the weekend. This strategic move coincided with Modern Warfare 3 releasing their multiplayer beta. The established first-person shooter game, as seen on Steam, had reached a zenith of 102,009 players, approaching its all-time high from 2021 at 105,397 players.
Such a revival seemed unlikely for a game that faced fierce criticism from gaming enthusiasts upon its launch last year. However, the enhancement in Battlefield 2042 features and gaming mechanics in recent months has been remarkable. The game has seen a complete transformation; the return of Battlefield series' classes, the addition of new playing arenas, and innovative specialist roles have elevated its appeal tremendously.
Moreover, the gaming attributes of Battlefield and BattleBit Remastered, which emphasize high player count and less aggressive competitiveness, stand out against the overwhelming tide of esports and battle royales that cloud the gaming spectrum today. These are games that, much to the respite of gaming buffs, you can enjoy with a group of friends without delving into a fiercely antagonistic setting.
It is worth recalling that even during its unsteady launch, Battlefield 2042 had its share of positive reviews. Tyler Wilde, executive editor of PC Gamer, regarded it with an 80% score in their review, asserting that it was a much bolder installation from the Battlefield series and that working through the revolutionary changes in the game mechanics had been an enjoyable experience.
In summation, the recent resurgence of Battlefield 2042, despite a rocky start, is commendable. Though the free weekend has drawn to a close, it hasn't deterred the surge in player interest. With player counts on platforms such as Steam showing positive traction, this "revival" weekend can be seen as a significant milestone in the game's journey toward winning back the hearts of its loyal gaming community.