Controversial Game “The Day Before” Faces Backlash as Developer Fntastic Shuts Down Amidst Fraud Allegations
In a series of unfolding events, the much-anticipated game “The Day Before” by developer Fntastic has become the center of controversy, leaving players frustrated and angry. The saga began with a pre-release announcement where Fntastic vehemently denied any fraudulent activities, but post-launch, players encountered a slew of issues ranging from connectivity problems, bugs, an empty in-game world, and deceptive gameplay.
The situation escalated when, four days after release, Fntastic abruptly declared the closure of its studio, citing financial difficulties. Outraged players took to various platforms, including the X community, Steam discussion forums, and Discord, to express their grievances and accusations of fraud. Notably, netizens discovered that Fntastic had changed its name, fueling suspicions and intensifying the backlash.
Official statement. #fntastic #thedaybefore #propnight pic.twitter.com/AKcRHeIaIW
— Fntastic (@FntasticHQ) December 11, 2023
— Mytona (@mytona_official) December 11, 2023
Discord initially attempted to manage the situation by imposing a cooling-off period to curb discussions. However, as discontent grew, users began sharing developer names and messages, leading to the deletion of all Discord channels and the closure of the purchase button on the Steam store page.
Amid calls for legal action and a petition circulating to prompt a response from Steam, Mytona Fntastic, the publisher of “The Day Before,” issued an apology, acknowledging the game’s failure to meet player expectations. They announced a collaboration with Steam to facilitate unconditional refunds for all players seeking reimbursement. Regarding the future of “The Day Before,” Mytona Fntastic assured ongoing communication with the now-defunct developer.
In a twist, some users discovered changes in the developer name associated with Fntastic’s previous game, “The Wild Eight,” on the Steam backend. The developer name was altered from Fntastic to a company named Eight Points, raising suspicions about potential rebranding efforts.
As the gaming community grapples with the aftermath, players are left questioning the integrity of Fntastic and the fate of “The Day Before.” The controversy underscores the challenges faced by developers and publishers in maintaining trust and delivering on promises within the gaming industry.