Advertised as a “unique” post-apocalyptic open-world MMO, The Day Before has gone down as one of the most negatively received games in recent memory. Now, not only are people being offered refunds, but developer Fntastic has closed its doors for good.
The game “failed financially”
In a recent post on X, the studio announced it would be ceasing operations, just four days after The Day Before was released. The statement goes on to say that the game “failed financially,” and the team simply lacks the “funds to continue.”
In another post on publisher Mytona’s Twitter page, the company has apologized to fans over the fact that the game “didn’t meet the expectations of the majority of players.”
Additionally, it will be working with Steam to “open up refunds for any players who choose to make a refund.” This was echoed in another post by the developer, which closes by saying that the studio “received $0 and will receive nothing from The Day Before sales.”
As of right now, you’re unable to buy the title at all, though the game page is still live on Steam. Review scores have the release down as “Overwhelmingly Negative,” with many lashing out over being falsely misled that the game would be open world.
While The Day Before‘s servers will allegedly remain open for now – though updates won’t be forthcoming – it seems to serve as a warning to other studios about overhype and the mishandling of a game’s marketing. Especially given how delayed it was.