Is the Brawler Revival Reshaping Game Design for a New Generation?

Daily Games

·

20/01/2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Introduction

The beat 'em up genre, once considered a relic of retro gaming, is experiencing a significant resurgence. Recent years have seen iconic titles like Streets of Rage 4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Scott Pilgrim EX revitalizing interest in the genre. This renewed focus has prompted developers and industry watchers to reconsider the genre’s relevance amid evolving player preferences and shifting market dynamics.

Industry Momentum and Evidence

This revival is backed by both player enthusiasm and industry commitment. Tribute Games, the studio behind Scott Pilgrim EX and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, draws inspiration from classic titles while embracing new design sensibilities. As producer Rémi Lavoie at Tribute Games notes, the Scott Pilgrim EX project involves not just legacy characters but also a fresh roster influenced by established fighting game archetypes. While the gameplay leans into traditional beat 'em up mechanics, an open quest structure and flexible character progression systems indicate a response to changing player expectations for freedom and replayability.

ADVERTISEMENT

Industry executives are candid about their approach. Lavoie articulates the decision to develop games that “lean toward the old-school type of beat 'em up,” while narrative designer Yannick Belzil highlights the design’s adaptability: “Everything from the bosses, story, and environments was designed around what we needed gameplay-wise at first.” This alignment between nostalgia and current gameplay trends is echoed by the participation of large publishers such as Ubisoft, who previously released Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, a title considered formative for many players in the early 2010s.

Key Pros and Cons for Developers and Players

Pros:

ADVERTISEMENT

Nostalgia with Modern Appeal: Modern brawlers capitalize on established fanbases while attracting new demographics through stylized art and accessibility features.
Design Flexibility: Developers integrate open structures and character-centric progression, appealing to a generation raised on customizable and explorative experiences.
Franchise Extension: By expanding the playable roster and exploring universe lore, companies sustain interest in established franchises.

Cons:

ADVERTISEMENT

Genre Saturation Risk: Rapid resurgence carries the risk of market fatigue and homogenization, potentially diluting innovation.
Balancing Old and New: Striking the right balance between retro elements and new gameplay mechanics can challenge both creative direction and player expectations.
Fragmented Progression Systems: Some core fans may resist the shift away from traditional, level-based progression, as seen with the fully unlocked move sets in Scott Pilgrim EX.

Future Outlook

The beat 'em up resurgence is shaping up as more than a fleeting retro trend. Investment from studios with deep legacy connections suggests that the genre will continue to evolve, blending classic mechanics with innovations tailored to contemporary gaming habits. The integration of open-world elements, expanded character rosters, and diverse narrative structures signals a trend toward greater flexibility and player agency.

ADVERTISEMENT

Looking ahead, major releases scheduled for 2026 and beyond demonstrate industry confidence. Developers are expected to continue experimenting with structure, progression, and crossover appeal, using the genre’s inherent simplicity as a foundation for broader gameplay diversity. The brawler renaissance is poised to remain a fixture of modern gaming, resonating with both nostalgic players and a new generation seeking depth and discovery in familiar frameworks.

Recommend

GTA 6 Hype Explained: Rockstar Co-Founder Cites Infrequent Releases and Constant Innovation

Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser discusses why Grand Theft Auto 6 is generating so much hype, attributing it to the infrequent release schedule and the series' history of innovation and effective marketing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Red Dead Redemption Arrives on Nintendo Switch with a Budget-Friendly Physical Edition

Rockstar Games releases a new physical edition of Red Dead Redemption for Nintendo Switch at an affordable price of $29.99, including the Undead Nightmare DLC.

Pokémon's Cozy New Life-Sim 'Pokopia' Secures March 2026 Release Date

Pokémon's Cozy New Life-Sim 'Pokopia' Secures March 2026 Release Date

Cyberpunk 2077 Shines on Nintendo Switch 2: A Game-Changing Portable Experience

Discover how the Nintendo Switch 2 redefines portable gaming with its seamless and visually stunning rendition of Cyberpunk 2077, offering innovative controls and impressive performance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ghost of Yotei's Day One Patch is Massive, Addressing Gameplay and Stability

Ghost of Yotei's day one patch is extensive, featuring 883 words of notes covering gameplay, stability, and world improvements, including adjustable puzzle clue difficulty.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword - A Nostalgic Power Fantasy, Not a Sekiro Successor

Explore the upcoming "Onimusha: Way of the Sword," a 2026 release that offers a power fantasy with accessible combat, distinguishing itself from difficult games like Sekiro.

Lego Voyagers: Build and Explore as Two Little Bricks in a New Co-op Adventure

Discover Lego Voyagers, a new co-op game where you play as Lego bricks. Explore, build, and follow the story of two aspiring astronaut bricks. Launching September 15th on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC with a Friend Pass.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dragon Age: Inquisition Remains a Beloved BioWare Classic After 11 Years

Discover why Dragon Age: Inquisition remains a highly replayed BioWare RPG after 11 years, exploring its enduring appeal through its characters, world, and DLC.

Activision Shifts Call of Duty Release Strategy, Ending Back-to-Back Modern Warfare and Black Ops Titles

Activision announces an end to back-to-back Modern Warfare and Black Ops releases in Call of Duty, aiming for unique annual experiences and greater innovation.

Superman 5-Film 4K Steelbook Collection Restocked at Amazon

Restock alert! The Amazon-exclusive Superman 5-Film 4K Steelbook Library Collection featuring Christopher Reeve is back in stock. Get details on the films, bonus features, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT