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In a surprising turn of events, Fntastic, the purportedly closed developer of The Day Before, has broken its silence to address the whirlwind of controversy surrounding its ill-fated game. The studio, which reportedly shuttered just days after The Day Before's debut on December 7, 2023, took to X/Twitter to counter what it deems as "misinformation" circulating online.
"Why do they say that the released game is not the same as that in the trailers, and why was the game closed?" Fntastic pondered in its statement, asserting that it had "implemented everything shown in the trailers," albeit omitting some "minor features" like parkour.
In a bizarre analogy, Fntastic likened The Day Before to an experimental scenario where biased influencers, profiting from negativity, tainted the perception of the game. Despite Fntastic's claims, The Day Before faced scathing criticism, earning a rare 1/10 review from IGN, which labeled it a "wholly disappointing online zombie survival shooter" that diverged significantly from its promised open-world survival MMO experience.
Plain Sailing
Fntastic's journey with The Day Before began with a promising five-minute trailer on January 29, 2021, showcasing high-quality graphics, seamless gameplay, and an expansive open world. The gaming community, excited by the prospect of a blend between The Division and The Last of Us, eagerly anticipated the game's release.
However, the tide turned with the first delay in May 2022, attributed to a shift to Unreal Engine 5 technology. This marked the beginning of concerns, compounded by reports of Fntastic's "volunteering culture," raising questions about unpaid workers.
Cracks Begin to Show
As delays persisted, skepticism grew. Fntastic's rocky start to 2023 included a Steam page removal due to a trademark dispute and a subsequent admission that the delay was planned independently of the dispute. The developer reassured fans, but discontent brewed within The Day Before's community.
Unhappy New Year
A large portion of the fanbase accused Fntastic of deception, with some believing the entire project to be a scam. The tumultuous situation prompted Fntastic to respond, asserting the game's reality and pledging a November 10, 2023 release. Confusion lingered as the allegedly defunct developer hinted at future developments.
In Retrospect
The Day Before, once Steam's most wishlisted game, underwent a bizarre series of events that fueled suspicions and concerns among fans. Accusations of plagiarism and a trademark dispute added to the turmoil. Despite promises and delays, the game's Early Access launch in November 2023 faced significant issues, culminating in forced refunds for disgruntled customers.
In the aftermath, Fntastic's fate remains uncertain, with reports suggesting the CEOs are already working on a new game. The strange saga of The Day Before serves as a cautionary tale in the gaming industry, highlighting the potential pitfalls of overpromising and underdelivering. As Fntastic attempts to salvage its reputation, the legacy of The Day Before will likely endure as a cautionary tale for developers and players alike.
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