Developer Fntastic, responsible for the controversial The Day Before , announced the cancellation of the game Escape Factory after its Kickstarter campaign failed to reach its fundraising goal. The studio, which had asked for $20,000, failed to raise the desired amount. Even so, the team continued to pursue its ambitions and revealed that it is working on a new project called ITEMS!, described as an action game with horror elements.
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The company said it plans to create a demo version of the game before launching another crowdfunding campaign or pursuing other release options. In parallel, the studio will focus on developing games for mobile platforms, aiming to generate enough resources for a future return to consoles and PC.
Studio bets on mobile games to finance returns
Following the failure of Escape Factory , Fntastic explained that its current strategy is to use mobile gaming as a source of funding to return to the console and PC market. The company stated that the revenue generated from this area will allow it to create the "dream game" for its audience. However, the announcement was met with skepticism from players, especially on social media.
Fntastic has faced widespread criticism for its previous projects. The negative reception intensified after the release of The Day Before , a game that promised an immersive open-world zombie experience but proved a major disappointment for fans.
History of controversies
The Day Before , initially one of Steam's most anticipated games, saw its reputation crumble before its release. The studio faced complaints regarding its employees' working conditions, as well as accusations of plagiarism for allegedly using promotional images and assets from other titles without permission. These issues shook the community's trust, as they expected a revolutionary title but ended up receiving an incomplete and flawed game.
Day Before launch was marred by technical issues and widespread criticism. Frustration with the game was so great that Fntastic decided to halt sales and shut down its servers just days after launch. Although it announced its closure at the time, the studio's return shows that the team is still seeking a new chance to redeem itself.
Fntastic's Next Steps After Kickstarter Failure
Despite the challenges it's faced, Fntastic doesn't seem willing to give up its position in the gaming market. The new game ITEMS! will be the studio's latest attempt to win back players and leave its history of failures behind.
However, the studio faces a significant challenge. With the poor reception of The Day Before and the financing failures of Escape Factory , public confidence is shaken. Furthermore, the mobile gaming market, which the company intends to use as a source of capital, is highly competitive and may not be sufficient to finance large productions in the future.
