Why SMITE 2 Skins Cannot Be Ported to the Sequel

The Evolution of SMITE and the Announcement of SMITE 2

SMITE 2 has recently made headlines in the gaming world with the revelation that skins from the first game cannot be ported to the sequel. This decision was met with mixed reactions from the player community, prompting the developer, Hi-Rez Studios, to provide a detailed explanation for this significant change.

SMITE, a popular MOBA game inspired by various mythologies, including Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, and Hindu, was launched in 2014. The game quickly gained a dedicated player base and offered a unique experience with its diverse roster of over 100 playable characters and multiple game modes. However, the gaming world was taken by surprise when Hi-Rez Studios announced the development of SMITE 2, marking a new era for the franchise. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 for SMITE 2 brought about a technological leap, but it also led to the decision that would impact the transfer of content from the first game to the sequel.

The art director, Sherri Harney, shed light on the challenges of porting SMITE skins to SMITE 2, emphasizing that the sheer volume of over 1,600 skins and the complexity of their designs made it unfeasible to transfer them without significant time and resources. The announcement keynote revealed that this 'hard call' was made early in the development of SMITE 2, indicating the gravity of the decision and the need for alternative approaches to address player concerns.

Challenges and Implications of Porting SMITE Skins to SMITE 2

The decision to forgo the porting of SMITE skins to SMITE 2 was not taken lightly, as it presented a multitude of challenges and implications for both the developer and the player community. Artistic and technical complexities, as highlighted by art director Sherri Harney and Ben Knapp, played a significant role in shaping this decision.

Harney's explanation of the 246-year timeline required to port all the existing skins from SMITE to SMITE 2 underscored the monumental task that such a transfer entailed. The collaboration skins, inspired by iconic franchises and bands, added another layer of complexity to the porting process, making it clear that a different approach was necessary to address the expectations of players who had invested in these unique skins.

Furthermore, the announcement of Legacy Gems and the Divine Legacy event aimed to compensate players for the unavailability of their favorite skins in SMITE 2. These initiatives, while providing some consolation, also highlighted the impact of the decision on the player experience and the efforts made to alleviate any potential disappointment.

Looking Ahead: SMITE 2 and the Future of the Franchise

As SMITE 2 prepares for its alpha test in the spring, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the franchise's evolution. The opportunity for players to experience the new game and provide feedback during the alpha test reflects Hi-Rez Studios' commitment to engaging with the community and ensuring a seamless transition to the sequel.

While the decision not to port SMITE skins to SMITE 2 has raised concerns among players, the reassurance from Hi-Rez Studios regarding the continued support for the original game offers a sense of continuity. The promise of ongoing updates and the announcement of the alpha test for SMITE 2 signal a period of transition and innovation, inviting players to embrace the future of the franchise while cherishing the legacy of the first game.