The Day Before, an ambitious survival MMO by Fntastic, has risen to become the second-most wishlisted game on the popular digital games distribution platform, Steam, surpassing highly anticipated titles like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. This resurgence in interest comes after the game’s developers announced the successful reclamation of their title’s trademark and confirmed an Early Access release date set for December this year.
The journey of The Day Before to this point has been anything but smooth, marked by multiple delays, controversies, a skeptical fanbase, and perhaps, more importantly, a shrinking market. Initially unveiled with a gripping trailer in January 2021, the game captivated audiences with its post-apocalyptic world where its players navigate a treacherous landscape filled with infected beings and other survivors. Its blend of high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay led to a surge in wishlists, making it one of the most anticipated games on Steam.
However, The Day Before has shown little to no signs of life lately, with many believing it’s all but dead already. Not to mention, it’s been unfavorably compared to existing franchises such as Call Of Duty and The Last Of Us while it’s facing criticism over the developer’s request for volunteer work. It’s safe to say that The Day Before has seen its fair share of controversies. Matters were further complicated when the game’s Steam page was pulled overnight in January due to a trademark dispute with a calendar app, leading to doubts about the game’s legitimacy and existence.
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Despite these challenges, Fntastic remained undeterred, defending its development practices and reassuring fans of its commitment to the project. The developer even waded into new territory with the announcement of a different game, Propnight, amidst the turbulence surrounding The Day Before. This move was met with mixed reactions, as some fans expressed concern over the focus being shifted away from the already delayed MMO.
The skepticism intensified when Fntastic went silent post-April, following an impressive gameplay trailer. This lack of communication, coupled with a delay announcement, did little to assuage the growing doubts within the community. When the Steam page was removed due to the trademark dispute, these concerns only deepened, casting a shadow over the game’s scheduled November release.
Now, in a surprising turn of events, Fntastic has emerged victorious from its legal battle, regaining the rights to The Day Before’s name and setting a new Early Access release date for December 7. This development, along with a fresh trailer showcasing in-depth gameplay, has reignited interest in the title, propelling it back up Steam’s wishlist rankings.
It’s not quite at the top anymore – The Finals secured the spot after its most recent playtest – but this does mean that fans are still willing to believe in Fntastic and The Day Before.
Despite the optimism brought on by the recent announcements, the decision to release the game in Early Access has raised eyebrows. The developers have cited this approach as a precaution, given the scale of the game and the potential for unforeseen issues. They’ve also stated that the game’s price will rise from the current $39 upon full launch, following a six to eight-month Early Access period.
With a legacy of delays, controversies, and a dramatic storyline worthy of the post-apocalyptic setting it portrays, The Day Before stands at a critical juncture. As the Early Access date approaches, all eyes will be on Fntastic to deliver a game that lives up to the expectations set by its initial promise and recaptures the trust of its audience.
