The developer FNTASTIC spent 5 years developing The Day Before. The game was announced in 2021 and released in early access on December 7, 2023.
The Day Before has received an overwhelmingly negative rating on Steam, and the developer, Fantastic, has announced its closure due to financial difficulties. The income generated from the game will be allocated to settling debts with partners, with the assurance that no public funds were obtained during the development phase. The studio expresses regret for falling short of expectations.
The publisher, Maona, is collaborating with Steam to initiate the refund process, raising concerns about the game’s sales during Early Access and the financial stability of the studio. The Day Before encountered challenges, including delays, a transition to Unreal Engine 5, and the release of downgraded gameplay footage, which prompted skepticism and caution within the gaming community.
Discrepancies between the promised open-world survival MMO and the delivered extraction shooter have been highlighted, with numerous issues identified, including poor server performance, a lack of features, and negative user reviews. The trademark dispute between The Day Before and a calendar app company adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, sparking questions about the legitimacy of the development and the studio’s future.
The Day Before: Unveiling the Rise and Fall of a Controversial Zombie MMO
In the realm of multiplayer survival horror extraction shooters, ‘The Day Before’ emerged as a highly anticipated game developed by Fntastic and published by Mytona. This article delves into the intricate journey of The Day Before, exploring its plot, tumultuous development, and the critical reception that led to its eventual demise.
The Day Before: A Glimpse into the Apocalypse
Plot
Set in a post-apocalyptic version of the United States, The Day Before unfolds a narrative where the world succumbs to a zombie pandemic. Players awaken in the fictitious New Fortune City, located on the eastern coast of the United States, joining fellow survivors in a collective effort to rebuild society amidst the zombie-infested landscape.
Development Saga
The development of The Day Before began with a promising gameplay trailer in January 2021, showcasing its unique mechanics. Fntastic, the brains behind the game, emphasized its breakthrough in the MMO survival genre, promising increased realism through the GUI and open-ended gameplay. However, a series of delays, including a switch from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5, raised questions about the game’s legitimacy.
In June 2022, Fntastic’s classification of team members as both paid and unpaid ‘volunteers’ sparked controversy. Despite reassurances that volunteers were compensated, the game’s troubled journey continued. Trademark disputes and a subsequent removal from Steam further fueled skepticism about The Day Before.
The rollercoaster of events continued with the announcement of a new title, Dayworld, and the eventual release on Steam Early Access in December 2023. However, just four days later, Fntastic dropped a bombshell – the closure of the studio due to the game’s dismal financial performance.
Critical Reception and Downfall
Reception Overview
The Day Before’s journey from the most wishlisted game on Steam to overwhelmingly negative reviews paints a picture of ambition gone awry. IGN’s 1/10 score and Eurogamer’s criticism of soulless city design highlight the game’s fundamental flaws. GamesRadar+ emphasizes the absence of meaningful ideas, distinctive mechanics, and compelling characters.
Steam’s Backlash
Steam users echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment in the lack of melee combat, artificial intelligence, and overall world design. The player count plummeted by 75% within two days and a staggering 90% after four days, solidifying The Day Before’s place among Steam’s worst-reviewed games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What led to The Day Before’s closure?
A1: The closure resulted from the game’s poor financial performance, prompting Fntastic to shut down the studio just four days after the Early Access launch.
Q2: Did The Day Before face trademark issues?
A2: Yes, trademark disputes, including a removal from Steam, plagued The Day Before’s development, further contributing to its downfall.
Q3: Were there accusations of false advertisement?
A3: Yes, delays, volunteer controversies, and perceived mismanagement led to accusations of false advertisement, tarnishing the game’s reputation.
Conclusion
In the annals of gaming history, The Day Before stands as a cautionary tale of ambition, challenges, and the perils of mismanagement. As we reflect on its rise and fall, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, realistic goals, and a solid execution plan in the tumultuous world of video game development.