In a surprising turn of events, Fntastic, the studio behind the much-maligned open world survival game The Day Before, has resurfaced with a renewed vision and a call for support from the gaming community. Just four days after the game’s disappointing launch in late 2023, which led to the studio’s abrupt closure, Fntastic is now seeking funding through Kickstarter for its next venture, Escape Factory, a multiplayer co-op escape game that promises a physics-based experience.
From Closure to Comeback
The journey of Fntastic has been tumultuous, beginning with the highly anticipated announcement of The Day Before in 2021. The game quickly ascended to the top of Steam’s most wishlisted titles, captivating the interest of PC gamers eager for an immersive zombie MMO experience reminiscent of The Last of Us. However, a series of delays and mounting skepticism surrounded the project, culminating in a release that left many feeling disillusioned. Critics noted that the game fell short of expectations, presenting itself as a generic extraction shooter rather than the expansive MMO players had hoped for.
Following the backlash, Fntastic issued an apology, acknowledging their miscalculations and the challenges inherent in game development. The studio’s financial struggles became evident, leading to refunds for The Day Before purchases and the eventual shuttering of operations. Allegations surfaced regarding the treatment of employees, including claims of volunteer labor and penalties for perceived underperformance, casting a shadow over the studio’s leadership.
A New Approach
Now rebranded as “Fntastic 2.0,” the studio asserts that it has learned from its past mistakes. The new leadership emphasizes a commitment to professionalism, stating that they have moved away from involving external volunteers. However, some inconsistencies in their messaging have raised eyebrows, as they mention that certain team members are still contributing on a goodwill basis.
In their analysis of previous shortcomings, Fntastic identified several key factors that contributed to the failure of The Day Before: overly ambitious goals, a lack of AAA tech experience, and misleading marketing strategies. The studio has expressed regret over these issues and is now pledging to adopt a more transparent approach in both development and marketing efforts.
Looking Ahead
As Fntastic embarks on this new chapter, the success of Escape Factory on Kickstarter will determine the studio’s future trajectory. If the campaign meets its modest goal of ,535, Fntastic plans to develop a successor to their earlier title, Propnight, in addition to Escape Factory. Conversely, should the Kickstarter fail, the studio may face another uncertain fate.
Fntastic is appealing to gamers for a second chance, believing that with community support, they can create engaging experiences that resonate with players. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the studio’s commitment to honesty and improvement could pave the way for a more promising future in the gaming landscape.