Ground Branch (video game)

Ground Branch
Developer(s)	Blackfoot Studios LLC
Publisher(s)	MicroProse
Engine	Unreal Engine 4
Platform(s)	Windows 10, 11
Release	2018
Mode(s)	Cooperative video game multiplayer single-player

Ground Branch (stylized in all caps) is an early-access video game being developed by Blackfoot Studios LLC, and published by MicroProse. ^[1] Ground Branch is a tactical first-person shooter with an emphasis on character and weapon customization, based on the paramilitary arm of the CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC). ^[2] < ^{[3] [4] [5] [6]}

Gameplay

In Ground Branch, the player plays as part of the CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC), and leads "special operations forces through challenging deniable ops all over the globe." ^[2] Ground Branch is a tactical shooter, is highly punishing because of its high damage mechanics, where the player can be eliminated by one or two bullets, emphasizing tactical decisions and careful planning before embarking on operations.

Customization is a key feature, allowing the player to choose from a wide selection of rifles, shotguns, handguns, submachine guns, and light machine guns, with extensive customization options for sights, suppressors, rail attachments, laser sights, and grips. Additionally, the game features the ability to customize the player's belt and vest, changing the equipment he brings along, such as grenades, magazines, binoculars, breaching charges, and other items. ^[7]

A player holding a rifle on the map Creek.

Attachments can be placed anywhere on the appropriate rail of a weapon (for example, an optic cannot be placed on the underbarrel rail), and Picatinny rail adapters can be attached to weapons which do not feature an integrated Picatinny rail system.

Ground Branch features 15 maps: 747, Arena, Arena II, City, Compound, Creek, Depot, Docks, Power Station, Rig, Run Down, Small Town, Storage Facility, Tanker, and The Farm. Each map features its own strategies and environment, reinforcing the developer's goal of making GROUND BRANCH a tactical shooter. The player also has the ability to customize the mission or mode they wish to play, with the game featuring six PvP modes and three PvE modes. The PvP modes are Deathmatch, Dynamic Take and Secure, Hostage Rescue, Last Man Standing, Team Elimination, and Uplink, and the PvE modes are Defuse, Intel Retrieval, and Terrorist Hunt. The game also features a Training Mode, which is a singleplayer mission exclusive to the map The Farm. ^[8]

Modding

Ground Branch features a Lua modding API, allowing real-time interaction with the game, and the Ground Branch Mod Kit, a modified version of Unreal Engine 4.27, both of which facilitate the creation of mods. Modders can create new weapons, attachments, mission types, gear, and more. Mods can be subscribed to through the game's modding menu or through Steam Workshop. ^[9]

Development

In a response to a forum post on the Steam community page, John Sonedecker—the Founder, Creative Director, and Lead Artist of Blackfoot Studios LLC—said that the concept for the game began in 2008, although, due to a lack of funding, sustained development could only begin in 2018, when the game was released for early access. ^{[10] [ better source needed ]}

References

1. "MicroProse is now the publisher for GROUND BRANCH". www.groundbranch.com. Archived from the original on 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
2. "Ground Branch - About". www.groundbranch.com. Archived from the original on 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
3. Ford, Suzie (2021-05-05). "Check Out Ground Branch & Its Intense FPS Combat". GameSpace.com. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
4. Martinez, Daniel (2023-05-02). "10 Best Tactical FPS Games". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
5. Smith, Adam (2012-06-19). "Ghost Of Recon Past: Ground Branch Kickstarter". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on 2024-06-14. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
6. "Making it in Unreal: Rainbow Six meets military simulation in Ground Branch". PCGamesN. 2018-06-18. Archived from the original on 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
7. Kane, Ian (2018-09-09). "Ground Branch Review – Possibly the Next Big Thing for the Tactical Shooter Genre - CyberPowerPC" . Retrieved 2025-02-02.
8. "Ground Branch Introduces a Unique PvP Game Mode". TRN Checkpoint. 2023-02-09. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
9. "Build Update #053: Mod Kit and Patch V1034.6 now available! – GROUND BRANCH". www.groundbranch.com. Archived from the original on 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
10. "For how long has this game been in developement? :: GROUND BRANCH General Discussions". steamcommunity.com. Archived from the original on 2024-12-09. Retrieved 2025-02-02.