The rise of the indie survival horror game, “Lethal Company”, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, surpassing the sales of the widely criticized “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” on the Steam store. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the game was created by 21-year-old developer Zeekerss, who learned how to program video games using “Roblox.” This massive game which has seen millions of downloads was all created by just one person.
In an industry where indie games go head-to-head with blockbuster releases, exceptions do occur. Popular game titles such as “Among Us,” “Phasmophobia” and “Celeste” have captured the gaming world’s attention with their unique concepts or immersive gameplay. Now, “Lethal Company” is joining this elite group by outselling one of the gaming industry’s most iconic franchises.
Back in January, “Lethal Company” held the second spot on the Steam Global Top Sellers list, just beneath the Steam Deck, while “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” was in 10th place behind other popular titles. This achievement cannot be understated as the indie horror game competes with and outperforms a storied franchise like “Call of Duty.”
As of January 2024, “Lethal Company” is believed to have sold 10 million copies since its Early Access release in mid-October, earning an estimated $113.9 million in revenue.
The success of “Lethal Company” is not a fluke. While “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” faces criticism from both critics and fans, “Lethal Company” boasts a remarkable 98% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating based on 270,732 reviews. In stark contrast, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” struggles with a 54% “Mixed” rating from 269,609 reviews.
Several factors contribute to “Lethal Company’s” triumph. Not only is “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” facing stiff competition from other discounted games and other first person shooters, but “Lethal Company’s” attractive price point of $10 makes it a more appealing option for gamers. However, the game’s popularity can also be attributed to its compelling combination of fun cooperative survival horror gameplay and innovative game design all crafted by the talented Zeekerss.
The widespread popularity of “Lethal Company” can be attributed to the game’s exposure on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, coupled with positive reviews, propelling it to extraordinary heights in the gaming community. Countless streamers and content creators are online everyday showcasing their experiences to the world and every single one of them that play “Lethal Company” tend to have higher viewer retention due to the games popularity. Social media platforms are also no stranger to “Lethal Company” content. Clips and videos from users’ gameplay circulates X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Snapchat on a regular basis.
One of the primary features of “Lethal Company” that separates it from its competition is the use of a proximity chat. This adds a level of realism to the game by allowing players to only be able to hear one another if they are close to another player in the game, creating a much more tense and stressful environment for everyone involved.
Zeekerss has demonstrated that passion, creativity and a solid understanding of game development can propel an indie title to remarkable success. “Lethal Company” stands as a testament to the power of individual talent and innovation in the gaming industry and Zeekerss remains committed to nurturing the game’s community and delivering exciting updates. With each new patch, players eagerly anticipate what fresh horrors or challenges await them, like new creatures and potential new locations to explore.
“Lethal Company” has left a massive mark on the industry, inspiring a new generation of developers to dream big and push the boundaries of what is possible in game development. The future holds endless opportunities for innovation, creativity and most importantly, fun.
