Relic Entertainment has acknowledged that its ambitious dynamic campaign for Company of Heroes 3, particularly the Italian theater, was an overreach that ultimately failed to meet expectations. Studio CEO Justin Dowdeswell stated that the team "bit off more than we could chew" with the feature, which aimed to expand the series with novel ideas inspired by titles like Total War.
When initially previewed, the dynamic Italian campaign showed promise, blending the strategic map layer with the series' signature real-time battles. However, upon release, player feedback indicated a lack of true dynamism, with AI opponents often playing passively. This, combined with other technical issues and the removal of certain player-requested mechanics, contributed to a "Mixed" user review status on Steam.
Dowdeswell explained that the dynamic campaign concept was established early in development, but its implementation proved to be a persistent stumbling block. "The idea was great. The spirit of it was good. The team was energised. It was just more than we could get done in time. And it wasn't nearly as polished as it needed to be at launch," he said. Relic had initially hoped that the feature would come together closer to release, a common occurrence in game development, but this particular element did not materialize as intended.
The studio engaged in extensive post-mortem discussions to identify the shortcomings and formulate a plan for improvement. "It's disappointing for sure," Dowdeswell commented on the player reception. "It's so much work. A big team spent years and years making that game, and to see it not land well with players, it hurts."
Despite the initial struggles, Relic has continued to support Company of Heroes 3. The game received a significant overhaul with the 2.0 update on its second anniversary, introducing free improvements and additions alongside premium downloadable content. Earlier this year, the studio also launched Final Stand, a standalone roguelite expansion, though it too has received a "Mixed" reception on Steam. Further updates, including a 3.0 version, are planned for later this year.
Looking beyond the current title, a remaster of the original Company of Heroes, titled Company of Heroes: Definitive Edition, is slated for release in 2027. This version promises enhanced visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and a 64-bit upgrade. Following its recent independence from Sega, Relic remains committed to the Company of Heroes franchise, aiming to recapture the quality that has defined its tactical RTS gameplay.