Fntastic Cancels Escape Factory Kickstarter, Announces New Project Items
The Day Before developer Fntastic has officially ended its Kickstarter campaign aimed at funding Escape Factory, a physics-based multiplayer co-op escape game. In a post shared on social media platform X, the studio explained that the project had not generated enough interest to meet its funding goal.
As a result, Fntastic has decided to postpone work on Escape Factory and cancel the Kickstarter initiative. The studio confirmed that no funds were collected during this campaign.
However, the developer is not stepping back entirely. In the same announcement, Fntastic introduced their new project—a prop hunt game called Items, which will embrace an action-horror theme. This shift responds to community requests for a prop hunt game, suggesting a pivot towards more favorable interests from players.
Fntastic stated that the development of Items will require significant resources, prompting the team to consider releasing mobile games in parallel to support the game’s development. The studio hinted at the possibility of another Kickstarter in the future, emphasizing the importance of allowing players to test the game before its official release.
Addressing skepticism from followers about their ongoing projects, Fntastic stated, “We know our decisions and projects might not be for everyone, but we’re working hard to create a game that our supporters will like and enjoy.”
Fntastic has had a tumultuous history with game releases. After a rocky rollout, The Day Before finally launched in December of last year. The launch was marred by delays, a controversial status concerning unpaid volunteers, and a trademark dispute with a calendar app sharing the same name. Despite the initial excitement, The Day Before’s release was chaotic, leading to its hasty shutdown just days later, resulting in a series of refunds for players. Last month, the studio announced its revitalization plan branded as ‘Fntastic 2.0’.
Discussion with Industry Experts
Guests:
- Dr. Alex Chen, Game Design Expert
- Maria Lopez, Gaming Community Advocate
- Jake Andrews, Interactive Media Analyst
In a roundtable discussion about Fntastic’s recent announcements, we asked our experts for their thoughts:
Dr. Chen:
“Canceling a Kickstarter can be a tough decision for developers, especially in the current gaming landscape. It’s crucial that Fntastic pivots effectively to regain player trust.”
Maria Lopez:
“I think the move to create a prop hunt game is smart. Players often enjoy charming, less demanding titles where they can socialize and have fun without the pressure of more intense gameplay.”
Jake Andrews:
“While it’s great they are considering community feedback, developers must ensure they have a clear and sustainable plan for moving forward. The history of unreliable games can linger in the minds of consumers.”
As the gaming industry evolves, the approach of developers like Fntastic will be crucial in shaping community trust and engagement. What do you think about Fntastic’s decision? Join the conversation in the comments below!