In response to mounting criticism, FNTASTIC, the developer behind The Day Before, has stepped forward to counter allegations surrounding the game's development and financial practices. The studio's statement, originally shared on social media, has since been deleted, adding further intrigue to the unfolding situation.
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Misinformation Claims and Refunds
PCGamesN reported on FNTASTIC's now-deleted statement, wherein the studio directly addressed allegations of misleading practices related to The Day Before. FNTASTIC asserted that they neither collected funds from users nor engaged in crowdfunding or pre-orders for the game.
Notably, the statement acknowledged issuing refunds, including to users who did not request them, following the game's closure.
Defending Actions Amid Development Controversies
The studio's memo also responded to claims from anonymous former staff members who shared varying accounts of their experiences during the game's development. FNTASTIC emphasized its efforts to support employees, despite being a small indie company with budget constraints. The support reportedly included assistance with relocation, healthcare, equipment purchases, and personal matters such as mortgages.
The Day Before has been marred by controversies leading up to its launch on Early Access on Steam and the subsequent shutdown within a week. In June 2022, revelations surfaced about unpaid staffers contributing to the game's development. Furthermore, in January 2023, a trademark claim forced a delay in the MMO title's release, ultimately resulting in its removal from the Steam platform.
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