Data shows that Offworld Industries' new tactical shooter port struck gold with console plans, following positive player numbers and high wishlist conversion rates during its recent preview phase. The developer published official data from the Squad console alpha test, detailing how the military simulation performed during its first hands-on session on Sony's hardware.

Quick Facts

  • Alpha Test Dates: October 16 to October 25
  • Platform: PlayStation 5 (exclusive to PS5 for the test)
  • Player Turnout: Just over 110,000 participants
  • Wishlist Conversion: Over 50,000 wishlists (approx. 45% conversion rate)
  • Player Rating: 4.5 out of 5
  • Full Release Window: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2027

Playtest Numbers and Wishlists

The alpha test ran for nine days and was limited exclusively to the PlayStation 5, providing a free experience featuring a battle between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Though crossplay is planned between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S down the line, developers disabled it during the trial to give console participants a smoother introduction.

According to figures released by Offworld Industries, 110,000 players joined the test. That activity translated into more than 50,000 wishlists on the PlayStation Store, representing a 45% conversion rate. Participants also rated the experience positively, closing the testing sessions with a 4.5 out of 5 score—placing the console port slightly ahead of the Epic Games Store rating for the PC version (4.3 out of 5) and in line with its 83% positive rating on Steam.

The Path to Console Release

First released on PC in 2015 as a crowdfunded spiritual successor to the Battlefield 2 Project Reality mod, Squad now runs on Unreal Engine 5.7. Producer Peter Maurice noted that the studio has completed most of its major technical investments, allowing developers to shift focus toward new content and platforms after finishing work on Starship Troopers Extermination.

While Offworld Industries planned a console port for roughly three years, the project actively transitioned into reality about a year ago. The full console version is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2027. Secret Project Marketing Manager Matthew Beckett indicated that future playtest sessions remain a possibility as development continues.