“When will you make Just Cause 3?"
We’ve lost count of the times we’ve been asked that question in the last few years. No matter if we’ve issued a press release about building a new studio, sponsored some event or posted photos of food to our personal Instagram accounts – the most frequent topic of conversation has somehow always been Rico and his huge sandbox world filled with crazy emergent gameplay.
Well, we’re beyond excited to finally unveil Just Cause 3 to the world! In a massive 12 page blowout, Game Informer are sharing their impressions after hours of exclusive hands-on time with the game. Rico is also gracing their cover, where he’s leaping from a building while firing his grapple mid-air, surrounded by helicopters and fighter jets. It’s an artist’s rendition, but the scenario could just as easily have been created in-game – the chaotic diorama is exactly what Just Cause is all about.
Following last week's rumours and speculation, we also wanted to take the opportunity to address a few misconceptions. Those leaked screenshots were taken from an ancient version of Just Cause 3. Like most games, this one went through an exploratory phase where we looked at different control schemes, different technologies, different business models. Those leaked screenshots show aspects of that process, and in no way reflect the game we are making today.
To be perfectly clear: Just Cause 3 will be available in 2015 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC. It will be distributed as a retail box and digital download. It is not a Free To Play game. It does not feature in-game micro transactions.
Does that mean we'll release the game and call it quits? Nope. Beyond launch, we are likely to look into DLC packs and items as part of our ambition to support Just Cause 3 and its players for many years to come, but until that time we’re completely focused on making the best Just Cause game we possibly can. Rest assured it will be a huge, fully packed and extremely rewarding experience right out of the gate.
We can't wait to see your reactions to what we've created. Just Cause 3 truly represents the next generation of chaotic sandbox fun. But just like real sandboxes, ours doesn't really come to life until it's populated by crazy kids refusing to let go of the red barrel as it's shooting across the sky about to explode in a sea of fire, and... Wait, where are we going with this again?
Enjoy!
Christofer Sundberg
Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Avalanche Studios