Arma Reforger Surprise Launched in Early Access for PC and Xbox

gamerant.com:

Arma Reforger is a stepping stone toward an eventual Arma 4, and fans of the series should manage their expectations by keeping that in mind. Although it is presented as more of a tech-demo than a fully-fledged Armasequel, the release of Arma Reforger has important implications for the future of the franchise.

The Arma series has roots going back as far as 2001 with the groundbreaking milsim game Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis. The Operation Flashpoint series eventually evolved into today's Arma series, though the formula has remained the same. The Arma games are hardcore military simulators, players taking on a variety of roles and execute them with unparalleled realism. From basic infantry, tank crews, and helicopter pilots to battlefield commanders and scout snipers, many real-life combat roles are depicted with unforgiving authenticity. The franchise is very popular among groups of military veterans and role players who stick to realistic military-style radio communications and tactics, but it also has a massive modding scene that famously gave birth to PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds — originally an Arma 3 mod.

ARMA 4 Revealed

Arma Reforger is the next step for the franchise after nearly a decade of Arma 3's firm grip on the milsim community. However, despite its $30 price tag, it's important to note thatArma Reforger is not intended as a true sequel or indeed a full game at this point. With only one map and two modes, it's a sign of what's to come for the future of Arma. Showcasing Bohemia Interactive's new proprietary Enfusion engine, Arma Reforger breathes new life into the island of Everon which first appeared in 2001's Operation Flashpoint. Players take the side of either American or Soviet forces in a 1980s