Epic Games Still Has a Goldmine If They Revive a Canceled Hero Shooter That Has Potentially More Hype Than Marvel Rivals

SUMMARY

• A beloved competitive shooter franchise lies dormant in Epic Games' vault, despite showing incredible promise in its last incarnation.
• The game's unique approach to competitive gameplay could offer something distinctly different from current hero shooters.
• With the competitive gaming scene continuing to evolve, the timing might be perfect for this legendary series to make its comeback.

While Marvel Rivals has been turning heads with its fresh take on the hero shooter formula, NetEase Games’ success points to something bigger: gamers are hungry for innovative competitive experiences that break away from the battle royale monotony. And speaking of innovation, there’s a sleeping giant in Epic Games’ vault that could make even the most jaded FPS veterans sit up and take notice.

A success that could pave the way for more “actually fun” shooters. | Image Credit: NetEase Games

Long before Fortnite was just a twinkle in Tim Sweeney’s eye, Epic Games had already revolutionized competitive shooters with a franchise that gave us everything from gravity-defying movement mechanics to the iconic “HEADSHOT!” announcer that’s now copied by virtually every shooter on the market.

In fact, many of the features that make Marvel Rivals feel fresh today were standard fare in this legendary series two decades ago.

Unreal Tournament: A canceled legend that deserves another shot

The grandfather of competitive FPS. | Image Credit: Epic Games

The Unreal Tournament series wasn’t just another arena shooter—it was a playground of possibilities that pushed the boundaries of what competitive gaming could be. From the adrenaline rush of pulling off the perfect rocket jump to the satisfaction of landing a shock rifle combo, every match felt like a highlight reel in the making.

And when Epic Games announced they were reviving Unreal Tournament in 2014, it felt like the stars had finally aligned. The pre-alpha version they released wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—it was a glimpse into what modern arena shooters could be, built on the latest version of Unreal Engine (4):

The community’s involvement in development was unprecedented. Players weren’t just testing the game; they were actively contributing to its evolution, creating maps, suggesting features, and helping shape what could have been the definitive modern arena shooter.

What made the pre-alpha particularly special was how it managed to preserve the series’ lightning-fast gameplay while introducing modern elements that felt natural, not forced. The movement system was still pure poetry in motion, but with added depth that rewarded skill and creativity.

Then Fortnite exploded in popularity, and suddenly, one of gaming’s most influential franchises was left to gather dust:

The sentiment is understandable—it’s not just about losing a game, but watching a pioneering franchise be sacrificed at the altar of Naruto-dancing, Goku-cranking battle royale profits.

The untapped potential of a modern revival

Unreal Tournament was killed off for this. | Image Credit: Epic Games

The success of Marvel Rivals hasn’t just proven there’s life beyond battle royales—it’s demonstrated that players are starving for skill-based and actually fun competitive experiences. Unreal Tournament’s pure, unadulterated arena combat, with its emphasis on movement mastery and weapon combinations, stands in stark contrast to today’s ability-focused hero shooters.

Modern tech could take Unreal Tournament’s core gameplay to new heights. Imagine those iconic weapons and movement mechanics enhanced by current-gen physics and graphics. The shock rifle’s combo potential alone would create a new generation of highlight reels that would make today’s Twitch clips look tame by comparison.

Epic Games already has everything they need: the industry’s most powerful engine, a blueprint for success from the 2014 pre-alpha, and a community that’s kept the dream alive through countless fan projects. The only missing ingredient is the will to prioritize innovation over another Marvel crossover.

The arena shooter genre isn’t dead—it’s just waiting for its champion to return. And while other developers scramble to copy what works, Epic is sitting on a formula that’s already proven its worth across decades.

What do you think? Should Epic Games give Unreal Tournament another chance? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Soumyajit Mukherjee

Articles Published: 416

Soumyajit (IGN: LockDown) is a die-hard PC gaming enthusiast with an insatiable appetite for competitive excellence. A former R6 Siege competitor turned variety gamer, he's made it his mission to master every multiplayer title he touches. Currently, when he's not writing or dominating Marvel Rivals lobbies, you'll find him dissecting the latest superhero films or binging anime and thriller series.