1. Prelude to Controversy
The Day Before, hailed as the most anticipated game on Steam, took an unexpected turn just four days after its early access release on December 7. Despite initial excitement surrounding its promise of a post-apocalyptic MMO survival experience on the US East Coast, the game faced an immediate onslaught of overwhelmingly negative reviews.
2. CEO's Disappearance and Social Media Shutdown
In response to the tumultuous reception, Eduard Gotovtsev, the CEO of Fntastic, deactivated his Twitter account. Simultaneously, Fntastic made a drastic move by closing its YouTube page, erasing its online presence. This sudden disappearance raised eyebrows within the gaming community, intensifying the disappointment expressed by players.
3. Player Outcry and Skepticism
The abrupt exit of Fntastic's CEO and the studio's YouTube closure fueled skepticism among players. Many took to social media to express their concerns, accusing the studio of attempting to distance itself from The Day Before's failure. Comments such as "Taking the money and running, eh?" reflect the prevailing sense of disappointment and betrayal.
4. The Day Before's Promising Start and Swift Decline
Initially surpassing competitors in popularity on Steam, The Day Before held great promise. However, the game witnessed an astonishing 90% drop in player count shortly after release, signaling fundamental issues with the gameplay experience. This rapid decline further fueled accusations of a scam and raised questions about the studio's intentions.
5. Studio's Explanation and Financial Constraints
Fntastic attributed its closure to the overwhelmingly negative reception of The Day Before. Despite initial hopes that future updates could address player concerns, the studio cited financial constraints as a hindrance to any potential efforts. This explanation fueled the growing narrative of a game that failed to live up to expectations, leaving players seeking refunds.