Crysis 3's Iconic Bow Was Inspired by Team Fortress 2

The instantly recognizable Predator Bow, a staple weapon in Crysis 3, might never have existed if not for a developer's fondness for Team Fortress 2. Game designer Dennis Schwarz revealed in a new Crytek documentary video that the idea for the bow originated from his extensive playtime as the Sniper class, specifically using the bow, in Valve's popular team-based shooter.

Schwarz explained that his time with Team Fortress 2's Sniper, particularly appreciating the limitations and strategic play offered by the bow, sparked the initial concept for a similar weapon in Crysis. "At the time, I played a lot of Team Fortress 2, and what I enjoyed most was playing as the Sniper with a bow. It put limitations on you – you couldn't play too aggressively due to the shorter range – but I really enjoyed it. I thought something similar should find a place in Crysis too," Schwarz shared.

This inspiration led to the inclusion of the foldable composite bow in Crysis 3, which ultimately became a central and iconic part of the game's arsenal. Schwarz recalled collaborating with a lead weapons specialist to bring the idea of a cool, modular, foldable composite bow to life. He noted that once they began prototyping and testing it within the game, its potential quickly became clear.

For Schwarz, one of the most gratifying moments during Crysis 3's development was seeing the bow featured on the game's cover art, alongside the Nanosuit. "The most awesome moment in developing Crysis 3 for me was when I first saw the concept for the cover art with the Nanosuit and the bow. I thought: wow!" he added.

While the Predator Bow became a fan-favorite, Crytek also experimented with other unique weapons that didn't make the final cut. These included a "Bubble Weapon" capable of lifting enemies into the air before compressing them into "meatballs," and another weapon designed to rip aliens in half. The insights from Schwarz highlight how diverse inspirations, even from games in different genres, can significantly shape the development and identity of major titles.