Spectre Divide made its debut in closed beta on August 13, introducing a fresh perspective on the tactical shooter genre to a wider audience for the first time. As we delved into the beta during the week, Esports.net had the opportunity to sit down with the developers of the game.
We spoke with Lee Horn, the game director at Mountaintop Studios, to discuss what sets Spectre Divide apart. Horn shared his goal of meeting the expectations of the tactical shooter community and shed light on the studio’s approach to creating Spectre Divide, emphasizing the core mechanic, Duality, and how he would pitch the game to fans of the genre.
Insights from the Game Director of Spectre Divide
Image Credit: Mountaintop Studios
Q: Your closed beta launched recently (August 13), what specific aspects are you focusing on during this beta phase? Are there any gameplay elements or balance mechanisms that you are particularly testing?
Lee Horn: “Our primary objective on day one was to generate excitement around the game and raise awareness. After maintaining a low profile for the past four years, we wanted to showcase our excellent game and encourage players to give it a try. The Twitch drops and engaging streamers have been successful in drawing attention to the game. Throughout the beta, we will gather feedback from players to identify what works well, what needs adjustments, and address any issues to ensure a smooth launch experience.”
Q: Spectre Divide adopts a modern approach to gunplay with an emphasis on iron sights/ADS, a departure from traditional tactical shooters. What led to this decision, and how does it differentiate Spectre Divide from other titles in the genre?
Lee Horn: “The decision to focus on ADS was intentional. As a veteran tac shooter player with two decades of experience, I understand the intricacies of the gameplay style, including the need to stop when shooting and adjust for bullet trajectories. We wanted to modernize the shooting mechanics to cater to new players while maintaining the essence of tactical shooters. By offering true-to-crosshair accuracy and enhancing player flexibility, we aim to attract a wider player base. The shooting model in Spectre Divide provides a more contemporary feel, accommodating both PC and console players who seek a fresh challenge within the genre.”
Left to right, Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek, Lee Horn, Nate Mitchell, Richard Lyons. Image Credit: Mountaintop Studios
Q: The art style of Spectre Divide features black lines and a visually striking appearance reminiscent of cel-shading. How much of this choice is driven by aesthetics, and how does it contribute to the competitive clarity of the game?
Lee Horn: “At Mountaintop Studios, our philosophy prioritizes gameplay above all else. The art style, crafted by our art director Rich Lyons over many years, combines elements of sci-fi and comic book aesthetics. While the visual design is appealing, our main focus was to optimize gameplay clarity. The distinct art style allows characters to stand out against the background, facilitating target acquisition and ensuring players can make informed decisions based on visual cues.”
The Concept behind 3v3 Gameplay in Spectre Divide
Image Credit: Mountaintop Studios
Q: Spectre Divide emphasizes a smaller team format akin to ranked doubles, highlighting social benefits. Why did you opt for this format over the traditional five-man team structure?
Lee Horn: “We believe in the advantages of smaller team sizes due to the social dynamics involved. Forming a team of three players is more manageable than assembling a group of five, simplifying scheduling and communication. With fewer voices to coordinate, gameplay clarity and individual impact on the team are enhanced. The smaller team structure fosters a closer-knit collaborative environment, offering players a greater sense of contribution and engagement.”
Q: Despite the small team dynamic, Duality, the core mechanic of Spectre Divide, introduces a unique element to the gameplay. How do you ensure that Duality enhances strategic depth without overpowering the 3v3 format?
Lee Horn: “The addition of Duality was driven by the need to maintain player density on the map, creating uncertainty and strategic opportunities. However, the key is to restrict the actions of the inactive Spectre, preventing overwhelming gameplay. The inactive Spectre remains stationary, utilizing sensory cues to provide valuable information without engaging in combat. By treating Duality as a strategic positioning tool rather than an overpowering combat mechanic, we strike a balance that enhances gameplay depth without overwhelming the 3v3 structure.”
Image Credit: Mountaintop Studios
Q: With the inclusion of Duality, does balancing utility, weapons, and abilities become more challenging, or does the core mechanic naturally integrate these elements into the gameplay experience?
Lee Horn: “We have meticulously designed the game to revolve around Duality, from pairing guns to unique Duality abilities for each character. By offering weapon pairs with diverse functionalities, players are encouraged to strategize around two bodies rather than treat them individually. The Duality abilities add a layer of depth, with each ability requiring tactful application for maximum effectiveness. Map design also incorporates Duality-specific elements to enhance strategic gameplay. While it presents unique challenges, balancing in Spectre Divide remains focused on conventional factors such as weapon power, cost, and performance, ensuring a cohesive gameplay experience.”
“We added Duality was to keep enough density of players on the map and so that there was uncertainty about where the defenders are hiding and where they might be.”
– Game director Lee Horn on Spectre Divide’s core mechanic, Duality
Q: How does the inclusion of Duality influence map design in Spectre Divide and enable the creation of unique gameplay scenarios not typically seen in traditional tactical shooters?
Lee Horn: “As we introduce Duality into map design, we aim to progressively incorporate unique gameplay elements. The initial maps feature Duality hooks or distinct Duality gameplay mechanics. By integrating Duality-specific areas and strategic considerations, we encourage players to adapt their gameplay based on the presence of two bodies. The strategic depth of Spectre Divide is showcased through scenarios where players must make informed decisions on positioning and engagement, all influenced by Duality. Each map is carefully crafted to provide diverse dynamics that challenge players to think differently and explore new tactical approaches.”
Insights on Strategy and Pitching the Game to Players
Image Credit: Mountaintop Studios
Q: Do you have a preferred tactic, weapon combination, or strategy in Spectre Divide?
Lee Horn: “One of my go-to strategies is to invest in the Whisper pair, a tier two SMG combo, with armor early in the game. This aggressive approach in round two can catch opponents off guard, especially when they may be experimenting with other weapons. I enjoy the fast-paced gameplay and the element of surprise this strategy offers.”
Q: The Steam description for Spectre Divide lists games like CS2 and Titanfall 2 as similar titles. Do you see Spectre Divide aligning more closely with fast-paced shooter games like Titanfall, or does it firmly remain within the tactical shooter genre?
Lee Horn: “Spectre Divide is firmly grounded in the tactical shooter genre, characterized by strategic gunplay and deliberate decision-making. While visual and sci-fi elements may draw comparisons to other games, our core focus is on tension-filled tactical engagements that build towards impactful moments. The game’s pacing prioritizes methodical gameplay rather than rapid, reflex-based mechanics commonly seen in faster shooters. For players who appreciate classic tactical shooters such as CS and VALORANT, Spectre Divide offers a unique blend of familiar elements with innovative gameplay mechanics designed to enhance the tactical shooter experience.”
Q: In convincing dedicated VALORANT or CS players to try Spectre Divide, how would you pitch the game to them?
Lee Horn: “For passionate tac shooter enthusiasts, Spectre Divide introduces a novel concept of self-reliance through Duality. The game empowers players to watch their own backs and make split-second decisions that can turn the tide of battle. With our 3v3 format, Duality mechanic, and ADS shooting model, players can expect a fresh challenge that encourages adaptability and strategic play. Spectre Divide offers an opportunity for tactical shooters to explore new possibilities and showcase their skills in an innovative setting tailored to their preferences.”
Spectre Divide is currently in closed beta. To participate, visit the Steam store page and select Request Access.
