A LOOK BACK AT THE SOCOM GAME FRANCHISE
Very few will earn the honor to serve within the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It’s a rigorous task to even become accepted; however, Sony made it possible for all of us in 2002 with its release of the SOCOM game franchise. Beyond being a fan favorite and cult classic, SOCOM games are some of the most influential titles that you will find in the history of gaming. Offering unique, innovative gameplay that was addictingly fun, the SOCOM video game franchise had it all…until it didn’t. Suggested read: Military Video Game Controller Use – Xbox 360 Helps Defend America
What Happened to SOCOM Games?
January 28, 2014, was the last day servers for any SOCOM game were live. A franchise that arguably peaked with SOCOM 2, even making it to the PlayStation 2’s Greatest Hits designation, was gone not even 12 years after its inception. Two years after its developer Zipper Interactive shuttered. So, how did it all go so wrong? There are many different factors at play for the SOCOM video game franchise, and no one issue was the sole reason for its ultimate demise. Nevertheless, the mission was compromised thanks to these contributing factors:
- The franchise found early success but never sustained its momentum. Despite the first two titles receiving great reviews and sales, the third and fourth entries never quite hit the same wave.
- Part of this is because if you ask around, the third installment is generally perceived to be the worst of the franchise.
- Furthermore, while SOCOM 4 brought fresh ideas and improved graphics…it just wasn’t SOCOM. Some of the new elements were a bit further away than they needed to be for the traditional objective-based third-person tactical shooter.
- Combined, these issues would lead to lackluster sales and contributed to the franchise’s demise.
SOCOM PSP games were a lifeline for the franchise as they felt more like an evolution and return to form than the others Sony was putting out at the time. However, the portable systems stopped production in January 2014, further damning the fate of the franchise.
A Lasting Impact on Gaming
Play any SOCOM game PS2 has to offer and you’ll be taking a trip into a time capsule of what gaming was two-plus decades ago. However, the impact of the series is still seen across many different genres and titles today. From Fortnite to Call of Duty to even sports titles like Madden, SOCOM changed gaming forever. Here’s how:
- It was one of the first major titles to really push the use of headsets, teamwork, and communication. The first title in the franchise actually came with a headset and players would use voice commands to direct other characters in order to complete objectives.
- Network gaming is virtually everywhere these days. In 2002? Not so much. However, the SOCOM game franchise helped push the use of online gaming.
- Not only was online gaming a component but the franchise was able to create a flourishing online community organically. Even to this day, you can find forums and discussions focused on news, rumors, and gameplay.
Many modern shooters are great for what they are. Whether it be first- or third-person, they offer blockbuster-like cutscenes, fun skins, and avatars to play with, exciting gameplay, and more. Still, nothing quite encapsulates the objective-style gameplay we once had. This is why many are calling for and hoping for a new SOCOM game in the once lively franchise. Rumors continue to swirl and Sony itself has engaged in at least somewhat interesting practices that may hint at a comeback. Related read: 10 Legendary Video Game Characters With Military Connections
Is There a New SOCOM Game Coming Out?
Simply put, there is no evidence that a SOCOM game for PS5 is coming out. That’s the bad news. The curious news; however, is that Sony renewed its SOCOM trademark back in 2021, indicating that all hope is not lost. Games like SOCOM don’t come around every day. With the ability to not only capture the best of gaming in its current generation but also inspire future generations as well. Remakes are all the rage in entertainment and Sony knows that. If there is an audience for the SOCOM game series to come back, the foundation is there. Read next: The 5 Best Military Video Games In 2024