Is this the end of PvP shooters?

Lets dive deep into the question, Can a pure PvE extraction shooter actually work?

While games like Escape from Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, and Marathon combine PvP and PvE for their chaotic, tension-filled experiences, newer games like Witchfire and Forever Winter have shown us that pure PvE extraction modes have serious potential. But what makes them work so well? Without human players to add unpredictability, these games rely heavily on tight gameplay loops, dynamic AI encounters, and well-crafted progression systems.

We’ll explore how Witchfire delivers high-intensity, engaging enemy encounters, and why Forever Winter keeps players hooked with its environmental challenges. In PvE, content and AI must do the heavy lifting—creating experiences that feel fresh every time, without the inherent variability of PvP. From balancing difficulty to keeping players invested with live content and seasonal updates, we’ll break down the key design elements that make PvE extraction games successful. Let’s get into it!

Join the team -   / andrewchambersdesign  
Buy me a coffee https://ko-fi.com/andrewchambersdesign
Contact me at [email protected]

Links to stuff and stuff:
Camera - https://amzn.to/4jguH0X (Amazon, Earns Commissions)
Microphone - https://amzn.to/40hdywm (Amazon, Earns Commissions)
Headset - https://amzn.to/3Pm5Gne (Amazon, Earns Commissions)
Audio Gear - https://amzn.to/3PolBRK (Amazon, Earns Commissions)

-- Chapters
00:00 - Start
02:29 - What is PvPvE
09:20 - How to do it yourself