WTF?! One Of Steam's Largest Games Got Removed, And Players Very Suspicious... In a surprising twist in the gaming industry, "The Day Before," one of the most anticipated titles on Steam, has been removed from the platform, triggering a wave of suspicion among its community. Developed by Fantastic Games, this game had garnered massive attention, initially being one of the most wishlisted titles just under "Hogwarts Legacy." However, its recent delisting and significant delays have left many players perplexed and frustrated.
The Situation Unfolds
The issues began when the game's Steam page vanished, leading to widespread confusion. In a statement, the developers revealed that the game was delisted at the request of an individual who filed a trademark application for "The Day Before" after the game's announcement. The developers claimed to be unaware of this legal conflict until January 19, just days before the game's scheduled release. This oversight has prompted concerns about the game's legitimacy and its development status.
Delays and Community Reactions
Initially planned for release on March 1, 2023, the game has now been pushed back to November 10, 2023. This eight-month delay has many questioning the degree of progress made on the title. The developers had previously announced a switch to Unreal Engine 5 to enhance the game's graphics and mechanics, raising eyebrows about the timeline's feasibility. Furthermore, a controversial decision to engage unpaid volunteers for Quality Assurance and community management roles has added fuel to the fire. While volunteering can be a commendable effort, the lack of remuneration when working on such a prominent project raises ethical concerns in the community.
Developer Credibility at Stake
The shady circumstances surrounding this trademark conflict and the ensuing delays have led players to doubt whether "The Day Before" actually exists in a playable form. The developers have faced scrutiny over their previous handling of trademark registrations, leaving them vulnerable to this situation. Not only has this cast doubt on their professionalism, but it has also damaged community trust.
Calls for Transparency
Many in the gaming community are now demanding transparency from the developers. The absence of gameplay footage despite the hype only amplifies players’ doubts. This situation could have been ameliorated with a simple release of gameplay, even under a project name, to reassure fans that the game is indeed under development.
Conclusion
With one of the highest-profile delays in recent gaming history, the saga of "The Day Before" underscores the complications developers can face in a rapidly-evolving industry landscape. As we await further developments, the onus is on Fantastic Games to communicate effectively with their player base, as trust is paramount in the gaming community. What are your thoughts on the situation? Are you still looking forward to "The Day Before"? Share your insights below!