The Complex Genesis of Six Days in Fallujah
Developers initially worked on Six Days in Fallujah at Konami, aiming for a 2010 release. However, repeated delays and controversies sparked by the game’s focus on the Iraq War and the brutal Battle of Fallujah—still a fresh memory at the time—led to its cancellation.
A few years ago, former Bungie developers revived the project. Originally scheduled for release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2021, the game faced another delay due to harsh and sometimes offensive criticism from the press and public. Despite these challenges, Six Days in Fallujah entered early access in June 2023 and has continued to improve through regular updates.
War and Video Games: A Complex Balance
Warfare has long been a cornerstone of the video game industry, with classics like Operation Flashpoint, Hidden and Dangerous, Delta Force (soon to see a new chapter), and the original Ghost Recon series defining the tactical shooter genre. These games provided players with full control, encouraging them to handle scenarios freely and experiment with various strategies.
The U.S. military also commissioned war simulators for tactical and psychological training, offering a raw and realistic look at the violent and dangerous nature of combat.
Over time, however, slower, more complex tactical shooters gave way to faster, more accessible military FPS games targeting a broader audience. Series like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty, developed with Steven Spielberg‘s backing after Saving Private Ryan‘s success, set the standard for years. Titles like Battlefield and its renowned spin-off, Bad Company 2, also gained popularity.
These FPS games often focus on cinematic experiences, limiting player control in favor of scripted, Hollywood-style action. Few have dared to tackle controversial topics or recount particularly sensitive historical events, avoiding potential backlash or damage to their reputation.
Six Days in Fallujah seeks to fill this gap by courageously retelling one of the most contentious battles through the firsthand accounts of those who experienced it. The question remains: are the public and critics ready for such a challenge?
The Innovative Gameplay of Six Days in Fallujah
Developers shaped Six Days in Fallujah with significant input from soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fallujah. Their work in recreating these events deserves recognition.
The game’s setting focuses on Fallujah, with combat revolving around “house-to-house” operations aimed at clearing buildings or entire neighborhoods of enemy forces. One standout feature is the intuitive yet deep squad management system. Players can issue commands to their teammates with a single button, but planning remains critical. The first soldier to enter a room never knows what lies ahead, making it essential to anticipate surprises and adapt to unexpected situations.
The game includes procedurally generated missions, ensuring varied and unpredictable combat scenarios. Its shooting mechanics and weapon designs show great attention to detail, and the AI has seen steady improvements through updates.
When Will Six Days in Fallujah Be Available?
Six Days in Fallujah is currently in early access on Steam. Players can explore a multiplayer objective-based mode, procedural co-op missions, and the initial chapters of a single-player campaign.
After early access ends, the developers plan to release the game on next-generation consoles. With its final release approaching, the game aims to bring a fresh perspective to the military FPS genre.
