In a surprising turn of events, Fntastic, the developer behind the much-anticipated game “The Day Before,” has chosen to erase its online presence following a wave of discontent from players. The decision by Eduard Gotovtsev, the Co-Founder and CEO of Fntastic, to deactivate his Twitter account and the closure of the studio’s YouTube page has left the gaming community in shock.
“The Day Before” had generated significant excitement, surpassing its competitors on Steam in terms of anticipation. However, the game’s early access release on December 7 took an unexpected turn as it encountered an onslaught of negative reviews and witnessed a rapid decline in player count. Promising a gripping post-apocalyptic MMO survival experience set on the US East Coast after a devastating pandemic, the game fell short of expectations, leading to accusations of deceptive practices.
Eduard Gotovtsev’s decision to delete his Twitter account and the removal of Fntastic’s YouTube channel has only added fuel to the fire. The abrupt disappearance of the developer from social media platforms occurred just four days after announcing the closure of “The Day Before” studio. This move intensified suspicions among players, who expressed concerns that Fntastic was attempting to distance itself from the game’s failure.
Social media platforms echoed the disappointment of players, with comments such as “Taking the money and running, eh?” reflecting the frustration and sense of betrayal within the gaming community. The closure of Fntastic has further deepened the feeling among players that they have been deceived by the studio.
Fntastic justified its decision to shut down by citing the overwhelmingly negative reception of “The Day Before.” The studio initially expressed hope that future updates could address player concerns, but financial constraints now reportedly hinder any such efforts. This has fueled the growing sentiment among players that the closure might be an attempt by Fntastic to evade accountability for the game’s failure.
One critical factor contributing to Fntastic’s decision to disappear from the digital landscape is the staggering 90% drop in player count observed shortly after the game’s release. This alarming decline underscores fundamental issues with the gameplay experience, highlighting the challenging situation that “The Day Before” now finds itself in.
The removal of Fntastic’s online presence has added complexity to the unfolding narrative of “The Day Before.” While the developers have assured players that the game’s servers will continue to operate for the time being, the future remains uncertain. Players who have already purchased the game and find themselves unable to secure a refund are left in a state of limbo, uncertain about the fate of their recently acquired game.
The controversy surrounding “The Day Before” has reignited discussions within the gaming community about the responsibilities of developers and the consequences of releasing unfinished or poorly received games. Players are not only grappling with the disappointment of an unfulfilled gaming experience but also with concerns about the industry’s accountability and transparency.
As the story continues to unfold, the fate of “The Day Before” remains uncertain, leaving players, once eager for a post-apocalyptic adventure, grappling with an unexpected and disheartening turn of events. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges developers face in meeting player expectations and the ramifications when those expectations fall short.
