Depth is the Driver: FPS Dev Explains Why Publishers Don't Understand Hardcore Shooters

UK-based studio, BULKHEAD, just released the reveal trailer for WARDOGS, an all-out warfare FPS scheduled to enter early-access in 2026. It appears they may have the tactical shooter formula down to a science.

BULKHEAD CEO and WARDOGS Executive Producer, Joe Brammer, recently posted on X to praise his team for their hard work over the last three years of development, but also to explain that, "Making a tactical shooter is hard because corporate publishers and spreadsheet brains still do not get it."

WARDOGS Dev Explains Why Depth and Persistence are Crucial In Tactical Shooters

When it comes to hardcore, tactical-FPS games, Escape from Tarkov has been one of the most influential, offering gamers a blood-pumping, unforgiving experience, where all the gear you've worked so hard to attain can disappear in the blink of an eye.

It's these moments of defeat that test the grit of a gamer, and ultimately have them coming back for redemption. "Depth is the driver. Persistence is the reason to come back. Wardogs has both," said Brammer.

Brammer stated that although some publishers have attempted to recreate Tarkov's tactical magic, they may not fully understand what made the game so popular in the first place, "Publishers still have not understood why Tarkov is fun. Different publishers have burned billions $$$ trying to make an easier version and missed the point completely."

WARDOGS will feature 100-player battles, where three teams compete for victory and fight for the control zone using a deep arsenal of guns and artillery, and vehicles such as helicopters and tanks. But BULKHEAD has made it clear; this is not an extraction shooter, nor a battle royale. This is what they like to call all-out warfare.

WARDOGS features a persistence cash system where every player starts their journey with $10,000 to purchase a custom loadout consisting of weapons, gear, utility items, and vehicles.

You can then make more cash by doing things such as controlling the objective, transporting friendly players to the zone, or reviving squadmates, and the money you earn will carry over into the next match—meaning even better gear for your next battle.

The game also includes base-building elements, allowing players to fortify key locations around the map to gain a tactical advantage over opposing teams.

With destructible environments, rocket-launchers, heavily armored tanks, and artillery, WARDOGS aims to be an action-packed experience that rewards teamwork, communication, and decision-making.

According to their Steam page, WARDOGS will have a short early-access period of 12-18 months, and will have additional gameplay varieties, weapons, and maps added to the game over time.

Here is a list of what players can expect in the WARDOGS early-access:

- A 100 player, three team 'King of the Hill' experience.

- Large scale map with dynamic objective zones.

- Cash & XP-based progression where every action earns rewards.

- Realistic gunplay balanced for gameplay rather than simulation.

- Vehicles, logistics systems, and support focused gameplay.

- Online multiplayer with proximity voice chat.