The Future of Firewall - Fantastic or Frightening?

It has been a while since last I posted a blog. Lest to say, we have been busy here at Amateur Hour as we have expanded our reach to the EU by opening an EU branch with Dafdev, Divinical, and SP_Daddy_Sausage at the helm. Furthermore, we are working with Spring (formerly known as TeeSpring) to create team jerseys for those interested. However, we have hit a snag in development as an algorithmic issue has caused errors site wide. It has been about three weeks since I last reported this issue and unfortunately, there is no fix in sight as of yet. I do believe this will get corrected and I must say I am very excited to move forward in providing the competitive Firewall community a new layer of depth to their favorite past time. If you are interest in what we have to offer, check out our merchandise store here on our main website or contact me directly to receive concept designs.

Now, to the reason I wanted to write a blog: The future of Firewall: Zero Hour. Much has been discussed since the end of First Contact Entertainment’s last induction, primarily that around the future of Firewall. Sony’s recent news about the future PSVR 2* Orb controllers has led many to believe that a sequel would be released, but it is unlikely since FCE released news on April 13th, 2021 in their discord server about four new Operations being approved by Sony. This lends to the future continuation and survival of the current title for at least another year, but it was not until June 14th, 2021 that we got confirmation of the first Operation releasing in July. Without details, fans far and wide cheered in excitement with the anticipation they would receive what is commonplace with each Operation installment: Map, contractor, weapon, skins, equipment, and trinkets. Only one month later, on July 12th, 2021, FCE confirmed the new Operation: Rubicon will be dropping July 13th, 2021, one day after the official announcement. Details in the article were not received well by many as what was formerly commonplace in an update was not coming to fans in Rubicon. Rather than a map and contractor, players will only be able to earn skins and trinkets. Being a cosmetic junkie that I am, I am excited to gear up with a new look as I have all but run out of ideas with the existing gear (and I have everything ever released for the game); I am most excited about equipping a blue smoke grenade! However, I do understand the frustration felt by many fans – the lack of map and contractor is a bit odd, and without an explanation, many are considering hanging up their aim controller. Granted, the game has an abundance of maps, contractors, and equipment to keep old and new players busy, but it is the expectation versus reality that has people frustrated, compounded with what many complain as, “Limited communication with the community.” I can say that Sony being the sole proprietor of the title, FCE has to filter their communications through them as any developer would have to do with a producer, hence the perceived limited communication. I know this is frustrating, but tis the way of business, and unfortunately our beloved game industry has become increasingly beurocratic. But what comes to the game rather than what is communicated about it is solely on the shoulders of the developers; so why has FCE deviated from their successful installment course? I do not have an answer other than, “there wont be new maps or contractors featured this season,” (Shabestari, Damoun, 7/12/2021), the most critical words to note being this season. So, for Rubicon, do not expect more than cosmetic upgrades for your favorite contractors. What this means for future operations, only time will tell.

Does this mean that Firewall: Zero Hour is dying? I would have to say with a clear degree of certainty that it is not! Firewall leagues have been very popular (GSPL and NAFWL) with new leagues, such as the World Championship League, popping up, and tournaments being organized between seasons. We at Amateur Hour have been asked to cover other leagues as well, but with the limited staffing and time zone differences, it is difficult to cover everything (though we love and appreciate the consideration from our awesome community). Furthermore, FCE has been very active with Offworld Wednesday’s, Firewall Friday’s, and Solaris Saturday’s so much so that their efforts are a clear indication that they are full throttle for supporting their titles! We are grateful that they even welcomed us back to support them in their Firewall Friday presentation, albeit once a month according to our agreement. Based on the minimal communication we have had with them, we are confident in the sustaining and longevity of Firewall: Zero Hour.** I believe it important to note that the statement of having no map or contractor this season is not something we should expect in future inductions, but I always advise fans to question why decisions are made even if it is to make known to developers their concern.

Thank you for reading today’s blog! I hope to bring you more in the future, so please stay tuned and do not hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments. Cannot comment? Become a member of Amateur Hour Commentary and join in on the conversation! Let us get a dialogue going – talk to you in the next one!

*The official name of the new PSVR HMD has not yet been released, and it is unclear if

“Orbs” will remain the standing name of the new virtual reality controllers for the PSVR

platform.

** We have no more insight as to what the future holds as anyone else in the community. Our

communication has been solely for the purpose of organizing Firewall Friday.

Reference:

Shabestari, Damoun. “Playstation.blog.” Firewall Zero Hour: Operation: Rubicon arrives tomorrow, 07/12/2021, Firewall Zero Hour: Operation: Rubicon arrives tomorrow – PlayStation.Blog