THE FINALS Reddit AMA
Read the latest Q&A session with the developers of THE FINALS
When do we get Las Vegas powershift? [Shortened]
Hej!
We want to play Powershift in Las Vegas too, and are looking into adding powershift to the maps where it makes sense, like Las Vegas & Fortune Stadium!
-Stigsson
We want to play Powershift in Las Vegas too, and are looking into adding powershift to the maps where it makes sense, like Las Vegas & Fortune Stadium!
-Stigsson
Can you add a 'sorry' option to the text wheel? Are there plans for more LTMs this season? [Shortened]
Hi.!
We've been looking at options for what to add to the chat wheel and SORRY is definitely on the list. Personally SORRY is something I often want to say when I charge off the map, fail to revive a teammate, or run towards A instead of B... ._. We don't know exactly when we will add these, but we are working on it... ROB.!
We've been looking at options for what to add to the chat wheel and SORRY is definitely on the list. Personally SORRY is something I often want to say when I charge off the map, fail to revive a teammate, or run towards A instead of B... ._. We don't know exactly when we will add these, but we are working on it... ROB.!
Will ospuze be an actual thing for us to buy?
This is a pretty important question! We have looked into things pretty casually, and I may have even chatted with some people at TwitchCon recently….but we're still a ways away from OSPUZE being delivered to your home, even though their website suggests otherwise….
//Dusty
//Dusty
Are there upcoming updates to improve performance and address server issues? [Shortened]
Hi.!
OK, techy question but we will answer the best we can... First of all, yes we plan to continue updating FSR, DLSS and XeSS. We are also looking at TSR, but we have not made any final decisions when or if we will support it, we will keep you posted.!
When it comes to performance, we are aware the engine update to 5.3 introduce performance issues for some players. We are working on this, and have identified and fixed some of the performance issues and we will OFC continue doing optimizations to the game to improve performance...(our rendering team checked this answer and said thumbs up)
ROB.!
OK, techy question but we will answer the best we can... First of all, yes we plan to continue updating FSR, DLSS and XeSS. We are also looking at TSR, but we have not made any final decisions when or if we will support it, we will keep you posted.!
When it comes to performance, we are aware the engine update to 5.3 introduce performance issues for some players. We are working on this, and have identified and fixed some of the performance issues and we will OFC continue doing optimizations to the game to improve performance...(our rendering team checked this answer and said thumbs up)
ROB.!
Can we have Scotty and June complain to each other more?
Hi!
There's always been a little bit of infighting between those two. It is important to have a bit of friction between the two characters, as that creates an interesting dynamic between them, but they are colleagues, of course, so they respect each other.
-Gustav
There's always been a little bit of infighting between those two. It is important to have a bit of friction between the two characters, as that creates an interesting dynamic between them, but they are colleagues, of course, so they respect each other.
-Gustav
Will there be a thematic in-game event for Halloween or other seasonal events? [Shortened]
Hi!
Thank you! We're super happy you're enjoying Season 4.
When it comes to thematic and seasonal events, we will be using the World Tour for this with various stages having custom rules and events so keep your eyes peeled.
We're definitively doing something for the spooky season, if you played the open beta you might recognize some of the cosmetics that's coming at that time ^^
-Gustav
Thank you! We're super happy you're enjoying Season 4.
When it comes to thematic and seasonal events, we will be using the World Tour for this with various stages having custom rules and events so keep your eyes peeled.
We're definitively doing something for the spooky season, if you played the open beta you might recognize some of the cosmetics that's coming at that time ^^
-Gustav
Do you have plans on expanding the social aspect of the game? [Shortened]
Hi.!
The short answer is yes.! We have mapped out multiple social features on our roadmap for the next couple of seasons. We know how important these features are for our entire player base, both for the more casual players and also for the more competitive players... the list is pretty long, but yes, "clans" is on the roadmap... ROB.!
The short answer is yes.! We have mapped out multiple social features on our roadmap for the next couple of seasons. We know how important these features are for our entire player base, both for the more casual players and also for the more competitive players... the list is pretty long, but yes, "clans" is on the roadmap... ROB.!
Will you be bringing in any new mid round events this season or anytime soon? [Shortened]
Hi!
Happy we could give you the frying pan!
Now, we'd like to do more ones and there a re a lot of ideas, but our focus in the short term is improving and expanding on the ones we have. We're also looking into utilizing them in different ways, for example during certain stops in the World Tour!
-Gustav
Happy we could give you the frying pan!
Now, we'd like to do more ones and there a re a lot of ideas, but our focus in the short term is improving and expanding on the ones we have. We're also looking into utilizing them in different ways, for example during certain stops in the World Tour!
-Gustav
Is the idea of customizing the player's Front-End still on the roadmap?
Hi!
It's absolutely on the roadmap. The music playlist (juke box) is something we are prioritizing and we hope to have it for Season 5.
-Gustav
It's absolutely on the roadmap. The music playlist (juke box) is something we are prioritizing and we hope to have it for Season 5.
-Gustav
What did early versions of the game modes look like? How did the Cash Out mechanics evolve? [Shortened]
Hey!
In some ways, the mode is still very similar to what we had very early in the project. Cashout and Quick Cash are based on a mode that was originally called 'Download' and over the course of time we tried 100s of different objective types and team and tournament configurations. For example, at one point all Vaults were hidden at the start of the round and the teams had to search for them, with them only being revealed to other teams if they spotted them themselves or if the cashout started.
I think the biggest change is that the game mode was originally a 'single life' mode. If your team was eliminated and all three members died, you were out of the tournament there and then! Overall, this made the game much slower paced and tactical. Single life led to a lot of tournament format issues though, with matches often finishing at very different times, so in the end we decided to introduce respawn systems.
In some ways, the mode is still very similar to what we had very early in the project. Cashout and Quick Cash are based on a mode that was originally called 'Download' and over the course of time we tried 100s of different objective types and team and tournament configurations. For example, at one point all Vaults were hidden at the start of the round and the teams had to search for them, with them only being revealed to other teams if they spotted them themselves or if the cashout started.
I think the biggest change is that the game mode was originally a 'single life' mode. If your team was eliminated and all three members died, you were out of the tournament there and then! Overall, this made the game much slower paced and tactical. Single life led to a lot of tournament format issues though, with matches often finishing at very different times, so in the end we decided to introduce respawn systems.
- Matt
What do you hope to see added in the future? Can we expect a silly game mode anytime soon?
Hi!
We really want to dial up the gameshow side of THE FINALS, and there's more coming down the line!
-Gustav
We really want to dial up the gameshow side of THE FINALS, and there's more coming down the line!
-Gustav
What sparked your use of AI for the announcer in-game? [Shortened]
Hi!
We have big plans for the announcer voices, which we have always felt fit the lore and world of THE FINALS and added a bit of flavor to the game show experience. We're working on expanding what these voices can do and how much they can add to the dynamic and immersive experience of being a contestant. We even have some prototypes that are actively working and we're excited to introduce them at some point!
-Gustav
We have big plans for the announcer voices, which we have always felt fit the lore and world of THE FINALS and added a bit of flavor to the game show experience. We're working on expanding what these voices can do and how much they can add to the dynamic and immersive experience of being a contestant. We even have some prototypes that are actively working and we're excited to introduce them at some point!
-Gustav
Can we get multiple sticker slots on weapons? Will we see map variants for sys$horizon and fortune stadium? [Shortened]
Hi.!
Thank you for your kind words.!
We would love to add multiple stickers, and ALSO find ways to use the stickers in more ways and and places. We don't have a date when we can make this happen since it requires UI/UX work and also has memory implications, but yes we want this too.!
When it comes to map variants, we want this as well and some in our plans, but I can't say any exact date when these will be available in a live build.<3
ROB.!
Thank you for your kind words.!
We would love to add multiple stickers, and ALSO find ways to use the stickers in more ways and and places. We don't have a date when we can make this happen since it requires UI/UX work and also has memory implications, but yes we want this too.!
When it comes to map variants, we want this as well and some in our plans, but I can't say any exact date when these will be available in a live build.<3
ROB.!
Do you plan to add more "relaxed" modes like PowerShift?
Hey!
We will be adding more game modes in the future, but our primary focus right now has been on making our existing game modes the best version they can be.
Adding the game modes themselves is not the only tricky part, there's also things like splitting balancing efforts across multiple game modes, and also the players. And in the end, all of them need to fit and feel THE FINALS.
-Matt
We will be adding more game modes in the future, but our primary focus right now has been on making our existing game modes the best version they can be.
Adding the game modes themselves is not the only tricky part, there's also things like splitting balancing efforts across multiple game modes, and also the players. And in the end, all of them need to fit and feel THE FINALS.
-Matt
What changes can we expect to improve the final round in tournaments? [Shortened]
Hey!
We definitely agree that the final round in tournaments is not as refined as we would like, and I think we agree it comes down to pacing of the fights. During Season 4 through to Season 5 we're hoping to make some balance iterations here, looking at spawn times, spawn positions and travel distances. The overall effect should be to increase the pacing slightly, with less down time.
-Matt
We definitely agree that the final round in tournaments is not as refined as we would like, and I think we agree it comes down to pacing of the fights. During Season 4 through to Season 5 we're hoping to make some balance iterations here, looking at spawn times, spawn positions and travel distances. The overall effect should be to increase the pacing slightly, with less down time.
-Matt
Are you planning on returning Match Events and Map Variants? Is removing Match Events from Ranked a final decision? [Shortened]
Hey Hey!
Nothing is ever final, even in THE FINALS! As with all changes we make they will change if the combination of data and community feedback suggests that they should!
So keep sharing how you feel about the changes we make, it is super helpful <3
~Oscar
Nothing is ever final, even in THE FINALS! As with all changes we make they will change if the combination of data and community feedback suggests that they should!
So keep sharing how you feel about the changes we make, it is super helpful <3
~Oscar
What is your current favorite season of all time? What are your overall thoughts on this season? [Shortened]
Hi.!
I will have to be completely honest here... my by far favorite season is S4. This is the season that captures the original pitch that Gustav made for the game back in early 2019.! We got the first version of meaningful sponsors into the game, we have started to expand on our fun and exciting World Tour where we the gameshow really will shine, and we are also starting our journey to allow players to enjoy a more competitive play in THE FINALS.
We are still early in the development of the game, and we have so much more on the roadmap, but yes, S4 is my favorite so far, we are playing everyday at Embark and we love it...I also want to thank you all for the support during the first three season, and looking forward to share so many more updates and seasons with you.! <3 ROB.!
I will have to be completely honest here... my by far favorite season is S4. This is the season that captures the original pitch that Gustav made for the game back in early 2019.! We got the first version of meaningful sponsors into the game, we have started to expand on our fun and exciting World Tour where we the gameshow really will shine, and we are also starting our journey to allow players to enjoy a more competitive play in THE FINALS.
We are still early in the development of the game, and we have so much more on the roadmap, but yes, S4 is my favorite so far, we are playing everyday at Embark and we love it...I also want to thank you all for the support during the first three season, and looking forward to share so many more updates and seasons with you.! <3 ROB.!
We need more maps based on real locations. Thoughts on Singapore?
Hey!
Thanks for your suggestion! Singapore has some really exciting architecture. We will definitely add maps that are based on real world location in the future.
/Stigsson
Thanks for your suggestion! Singapore has some really exciting architecture. We will definitely add maps that are based on real world location in the future.
/Stigsson
Can we get improved friend management features? [Shortened]
Social is something we know we still have a long way to go on. We want a much more intuitive and friendly system that also makes it easier for streamers and content creators to feel safe. These changes are in the works and on the way. We know how important they are but building the right system will take time and we're aware that fixing it will make it so much easier and nicer for you to connect with friends.
Rob and Oscar and were playing with WaterDance last night and ran into a lot of the issues in real-time so you can see living proof that we are not fully satisfied with what is there now.
Blue skies ahead and thanks to the community for always giving us feedback on these features so we have a good set of goals!
//Dusty
Rob and Oscar and were playing with WaterDance last night and ran into a lot of the issues in real-time so you can see living proof that we are not fully satisfied with what is there now.
Blue skies ahead and thanks to the community for always giving us feedback on these features so we have a good set of goals!
//Dusty
Do we get another merch drop with the sponsors of this season?
Hey–
Yes! New shirts for each sponsor coming soon! I'll be dripped out in ENGIMO swag the moment it drops!
//Dusty
Yes! New shirts for each sponsor coming soon! I'll be dripped out in ENGIMO swag the moment it drops!
//Dusty
Will ospuze ever launch as a real energy or hydration drink?
Hey-- thank you!!!! The future is bright!
I answered this one above :)
//Dusty
I answered this one above :)
//Dusty
Is there a reason why certain equipment get way more cosmetics?
Hi.!
We always want to make skins for the weapons and gadgets that most player have access to, which of course includes the inventory all players unlock from the beginning. We also try to add skins to items that are shared between L, M, H to allow as many players as possible to enjoy the skins.
gahh, haha, ok YES, we are aware of the memes, the roasts, the funny video-clips etc... and even if these memes are AMAZING, we are making sure to add more skins to the weapons and items in the future... ._.
ROB.!
We always want to make skins for the weapons and gadgets that most player have access to, which of course includes the inventory all players unlock from the beginning. We also try to add skins to items that are shared between L, M, H to allow as many players as possible to enjoy the skins.
gahh, haha, ok YES, we are aware of the memes, the roasts, the funny video-clips etc... and even if these memes are AMAZING, we are making sure to add more skins to the weapons and items in the future... ._.
ROB.!
Can you handle this rizz?
Yes.
-Matt
-Matt
Are there any plans to bring back MnK support on the consoles?
Hey-
Thank you so much for playing <3
We get the mouse and keyboard question a lot. Like a lot a lot. Rest assured we are working on it actively with a goal of being able to re-introduce it into the game as soon as possible -- as soon as it works as intended, that is! I don't know when it will be done but it is exciting to finally be able to say: we are working on it!
//Dusty
Thank you so much for playing <3
We get the mouse and keyboard question a lot. Like a lot a lot. Rest assured we are working on it actively with a goal of being able to re-introduce it into the game as soon as possible -- as soon as it works as intended, that is! I don't know when it will be done but it is exciting to finally be able to say: we are working on it!
//Dusty
Will the new map be added to terminal attack in the future?
Hey!
We are looking into adding Terminal Attack to some maps where we think it makes sense. Adding Terminal Attack to Fortune is unfortunately a bit tricky because it has chokepoints that will cause flow issues when attacking or defending.
- Stigsson
We are looking into adding Terminal Attack to some maps where we think it makes sense. Adding Terminal Attack to Fortune is unfortunately a bit tricky because it has chokepoints that will cause flow issues when attacking or defending.
- Stigsson
Can you shed some light on the difficulties presented by custom matches and potential future features? [Shortened]
Hey Hey!
While I don't know how all of this works, I know that all the things you listed are on our improvement list for Private Matches, and that they are important to both casual, fun, games and when it comes to hosting more competitive experiences!
I don't know when they will come, but they are on our minds. <3
~Oscar
While I don't know how all of this works, I know that all the things you listed are on our improvement list for Private Matches, and that they are important to both casual, fun, games and when it comes to hosting more competitive experiences!
I don't know when they will come, but they are on our minds. <3
~Oscar
Are there any plans on making a team deathmatch mode?
Hey!
We are exploring adding TDM at some point in the future, we just need to figure out how best to deliver it in a format that suits THE FINALS. That said, we think it's important to mention that TDM will never be a core mode of THE FINALS, more as a warm-up mode or casual mode that offers some variety. The reason for this is that, ultimately, THE FINALS is a game that puts dynamism and destruction at its core and that's a big part of what makes the game unique and different, so we really want to focus on modes that best support that.
(Also, Rob won't divulge his secrets to me when it comes to the puzzles. Sorry folks, I tried! :) )
We are exploring adding TDM at some point in the future, we just need to figure out how best to deliver it in a format that suits THE FINALS. That said, we think it's important to mention that TDM will never be a core mode of THE FINALS, more as a warm-up mode or casual mode that offers some variety. The reason for this is that, ultimately, THE FINALS is a game that puts dynamism and destruction at its core and that's a big part of what makes the game unique and different, so we really want to focus on modes that best support that.
(Also, Rob won't divulge his secrets to me when it comes to the puzzles. Sorry folks, I tried! :) )
- Matt
Earthquake and floor is lava events would be lit [Shortened]
Floor is lava....WELL STIGSSON.?
ROB.!
ROB.!
Should match events like Alien Invasion be updated to where contestants could possibly be pulled up? [Shortened]
👀
When we (ok, not we, only me) get an upgrade for Vintage Vengeance? [Shortened]
Hi.!
Hmm.. It Doesn't do that? Works on my machine.!
We will look into it and see what we can do... ._.
ROB.!
Hmm.. It Doesn't do that? Works on my machine.!
We will look into it and see what we can do... ._.
ROB.!
Hello beloved team, your game is the best FPS out there by far and we love you for bringing it into our lives. Will we ever have a bundle with the outfit 'Dede' is wearing? Is every map 'supposed' to have a variant, or will some maps never have any? What merch do you dream of making even if you cannot right now? Do you have plans to highlight content creators within the game? [Shortened]
Hi Jinko.!
1) What is that not in the game already..?!
2) We will try to add variants on all maps as long as long as it makes sense and make the game better.
3) Can't tell since we are working on it right now.! <3
4) Yes.!
ROB.!
1) What is that not in the game already..?!
2) We will try to add variants on all maps as long as long as it makes sense and make the game better.
3) Can't tell since we are working on it right now.! <3
4) Yes.!
ROB.!
What's your opinion on the balance ATM? What are your plans about light in the future? Do you think you will ever get it to a point where people will choose it just as much as the others in competitive? [Shortened]
Hey!
We think the balance to start Season 4 is in a reasonably good place, but we still have plenty of stuff we need to nudge to get it to the right place.
Balancing some very different archetypes is always going to be a challenge, but it's also part of what makes the game unique. It's definitely our goal though to have each archetype equally viable in competitive though so we'll continue to strive for that.
Matt
We think the balance to start Season 4 is in a reasonably good place, but we still have plenty of stuff we need to nudge to get it to the right place.
Balancing some very different archetypes is always going to be a challenge, but it's also part of what makes the game unique. It's definitely our goal though to have each archetype equally viable in competitive though so we'll continue to strive for that.
Matt
For all the developers: What class do you main? [Shortened]
Hey/Hi!/Hello/Hej!
- Rob - Heavy (only and ever)
- Oscar- Light (annoying)
- Matt - Everything (I have to play them all, it's in my contract)
- Stigsson - Medium (I like supporting people (like Rob))
- Dusty - Heavy .50 Akimbo (for life, if Matt "re-balances" them I will burn down his house)
- Gustav - Never Heavy (Rob's has "första tjing")
Hi Embark :), Very very big question here. What breed is Junes Virtual Dog? 🐕
I've asked and I believe it is a Västgötaspets!
~Oscar
~Oscar