With a storied legacy that helped shape the tactical shooter genre, Delta Force is making a comeback — and TiMi Studios is at the helm. The new installment, a free-to-play first-person shooter, takes cues from the franchise’s roots while injecting fresh energy and modern design sensibilities. Game Rant recently spoke with game design director Ricky Liao to learn how TiMi Studios is bridging the past and present of this iconic series.
Reviving a Tactical Legacy
Long before the rise of massive multiplayer shooters, the original Delta Force stood out with its large-scale battlefields, squad-focused mechanics, and grounded gameplay. It laid the groundwork for future titles like Battlefield 1942 — but unlike cinematic-heavy shooters of today, Delta Force told its story through action. This core approach deeply resonated with Liao, who grew up immersed in the franchise.
A Deeply Personal Design Journey
“I have been playing Delta Force since I was a kid,” Liao recalled. “What shocked me most was how the game made me feel like a real soldier — not a hero, but someone surviving in chaotic combat scenarios.” He specifically cited Black Hawk Down as a formative experience, praising its minimalist storytelling that unfolds through gameplay, not cutscenes.
“There was no need for big cinematic sequences,” he said. “You just played, and the story emerged around you. That sense of raw intensity — the need to manage your ammo, stay alert, and choose how to tackle objectives — created a feeling I never got from other shooters.”
Modern Multiplayer, Classic Soul
While the new Delta Force leans into a multiplayer format, Liao and his team have found ways to keep narrative elements alive. The recent addition of a cooperative Black Hawk Down campaign allows players to relive the brutal Mogadishu conflict in squads, recapturing the sense of camaraderie and danger that defined the original experience.
Design Lessons From the Past
Liao emphasized that one of the most defining aspects of the classic series was its expansive level design. At the time of its release in 1998, few shooters offered the freedom to engage enemies across wide-open terrain. These sandbox-style maps weren’t just large — they were designed to support multiple tactics and approaches.
“The original Delta Force felt groundbreaking because of how vast and flexible the maps were,” Liao said. “It encouraged experimentation. You could approach from distance, flank, or go head-on — it was all up to you. That kind of player agency is what we’re aiming to replicate and expand on.”
- Expansive battlefields inspired by the original’s map design
- Gameplay-driven narrative that avoids heavy cinematic reliance
- Co-op campaigns that echo the franchise’s legacy moments
- Tactical depth and decision-making that rewards thoughtful play
Classic Foundations, Futuristic Direction
TiMi Studios isn’t content with simply recreating the past. While Liao and his team are committed to preserving what made Delta Force unique, the new game blends these elements with a near-future sci-fi aesthetic, bringing new weapons, gadgets, and movement options into the fold.
“We’re not just making a nostalgic shooter,” Liao explained. “We’re building something that respects its heritage while introducing innovations. Whether it’s tech, visuals, or pacing — we want this to feel like the evolution of Delta Force, not just a reboot.”
With a team of passionate developers, many of whom grew up playing the original series, Delta Force’s return seems poised to offer both longtime fans and newcomers a compelling fusion of old-school grit and modern-day shooter design. It’s a balancing act of homage and innovation — and TiMi Studios appears ready to carry the legacy forward.
