Fntastic, the developer behind the troubled game The Day Before, has canceled its Kickstarter campaign for Escape Factory due to a lack of interest. The game, which aimed to deliver a physics-based multiplayer co-op experience, raised only $2,388 of its $15,183 goal (converted from Singapore dollars) with just 50 pledges. In a statement posted on social media, the studio indicated that Escape Factory had not generated sufficient interest and would be placed on hold, while announcing the development of a new project called Items, an action-horror prop hunt game.
Fntastic took “full responsibility” for the failures associated with The Day Before–which ranged from misleading marketing, severe technical issues at launch, and accusations of scamming players–and committed to transparency and community engagement as it transitions to the newly announced project. As a result, all funds will be refunded to backers, and development on Escape Factory will be temporarily suspended.
Fntastic mentioned that the studio had received numerous requests for a prop hunt game, influencing its decision to pivot towards Items. “We have received many requests for a prop hunt game, and after careful analysis and discussion with the team, we have decided that our Escape Factory project has not generated enough interest,” Fntastic stated.
The developer also indicated plans to release mobile games alongside Items, with revenue from these apps allocated directly to development costs. “All funds generated from these apps will go directly into development,” the team added.
Fntastic previously released Propnight, which faced its own set of challenges, including a server closure earlier this year. Items may be supported by a future Kickstarter campaign, allowing players the opportunity to test the game before its official launch.
