“The Day Before” developer, Fntastic, has unexpectedly closed its doors just four days after the game’s launch, leaving players and the gaming community in shock.
Despite attracting half a million viewers on Steam and selling early access for $40. The developer announced financial failure as the reason for the shutdown.
The statement acknowledges that Fntastic will use the generated income to settle debts, leaving no resources for fixing the severely broken game.
Official statement. #fntastic #thedaybefore #propnight pic.twitter.com/AKcRHeIaIW
— Fntastic (@FntasticHQ) December 11, 2023
Fntastic did not fulfill the initial promise of “The Day Before” as a survival MMO, as the game launched as an extraction shooter, representing a significant deviation from what was originally advertised.
The developer asserts that they did not rely on crowdfunding for development and claimed to have worked diligently for five years to release the game.
However, the announcement highlights the contradiction of having accepted $40 from players in the final four days of launch.
Despite Fntastic’s closure, reports indicate that the game’s servers are currently operational, with a surprising 4,400 concurrent players and a peak of 7,600 in the last 24 hours. The game achieved an all-time high, with 38,000 concurrent players noted on Steam.
The article criticizes the misleading marketing tactics employed by Fntastic, citing trailers that showcased a game vastly different from the delivered product.
The developers described the final version of the game as a “bizarre, broken mess,” featuring a city reminiscent of “The Division” that utilized purchased assets and included minimal zombie encounters.
Player versus player battles suffered from glitches and server issues, leading to a frustrating experience.
The author speculates that a considerable number of players likely requested refunds upon realizing the vast disparity between the promised and actual game.
Considering an industry marked by numerous layoffs, observers view Fntastic’s closure as a unique case. The author expressing skepticism about the studio’s actions over the past five years.