The highly anticipated zombie-survival shooter, The Day Before, recently made its debut on PC after numerous delays and earning the title of the most wishlisted game on Steam. However, just four days after its release, the developers have shockingly announced the closure of the project due to financial failure. This article delves into the tumultuous journey of The Day Before and explores the reasons behind its rapid downfall.
The Day Before had faced a series of setbacks even before its eventual launch. Originally slated for release last year, the game suffered multiple delays, leading to mounting anticipation and excitement among eager players. However, as the release date approached, the situation only grew worse, with controversies and allegations plaguing the game.
One of the crucial factors that contributed to the demise of The Day Before was the stark disparity between players’ expectations and the actual game experience. Anticipated as an open-world MMO, players were met with a different reality – an extraction shooter with zombies. This disappointment caused a wave of negative reviews, flooding Steam within hours of the game’s release.
Another aspect criticized by players was the lack of development polish in The Day Before. The game was plagued with missing features, poor gameplay mechanics, and lackluster loot. These shortcomings stood in stark contrast to the promises made by the developers, further fueling the anger and frustration of the disappointed player base.
In a shocking turn of events, Fntastic, the developers of The Day Before, announced the closure of the project due to its financial failure. The studio admitted that the income generated from the game’s release was being used to pay off debts to their partners, leaving them unable to continue development. This sudden closure brought an abrupt end to the hopes of fans who had expected continued improvements and additional content during the planned Early Access period.
As Fntastic prepares to shut down, the fate of both The Day Before and their previous game, Propnight, hangs in the balance. While the studio stated that the servers for these games would remain operational for the time being, they acknowledged that the future of their titles is currently unknown. This uncertainty adds another layer of disappointment to the already frustrated fanbase.
In an official statement, Fntastic expressed regret for not meeting players’ expectations. They acknowledged the difficult nature of game development, emphasizing the challenges they faced throughout the process. However, their acknowledgment does little to appease the players who had eagerly awaited the game, only to be met with disappointment and a premature end to their journey.
The Day Before was not Fntastic’s first venture into game development. The studio had previously released their debut game, The Wild Eight, in 2017, a co-op survival game inspired by Don’t Starve. While The Wild Eight successfully raised close to $60,000 on Kickstarter, subsequent titles such as Dead Dozen and Radiant One failed to gain significant traction. The closure of The Day Before only adds to the troubled history of Fntastic.
The Day Before’s closure serves as a cautionary tale for game developers and enthusiasts alike. It highlights the importance of managing expectations and delivering on promises made to the player base. The downfall of this highly anticipated game not only leaves players disappointed but also raises questions about the future of Fntastic as a studio. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, failures like this remind us of the risks and challenges faced by developers striving to create memorable gaming experiences.
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