Summary
The long-awaited survival horror MMO,The Day Before, is finally getting a beta event, but participation will be strictly limited to gamers who volunteer their time and labor to developer Fntastic. The open world title set in a post-apocalypse has been mired in controversy and mystery for over a year.The Day Beforewas delayed due to trademark issues, and despite remaining highly anticipated by some fans, others have questioned whether it will ever be released.
Thedeveloper ofThe Day Beforehas refuted claims that the game isn’t realafter rumors began to swirl online that the entire project was fake. Since then, Fntastic has continued to work to assure fans the title is on track and will be playable soon. The announcement back in April that a beta would be launching on November 10 was a positive step towards easing concerns among players. However, as this date approaches, a new controversy might be set to emerge.
RELATED:The Day Before Accused of Copying Other Games' Trailers
In response toqueries from IGN, developer Fntastic has explained that participation in the upcoming beta forThe Day Beforewill be limited to players who participate in the studio’s External Volunteer program. Fntastic makes a point of referring to its paid employees as “employee-volunteers,” but also seeks help from actual, unpaid volunteers on its website. It seems that those who choose to join this latter group will be given exclusive access to the beta later this month.
The news thatThe Day Beforedeveloper is using volunteersbroke last summer and immediately drew suspicions from some observers that this was a cover for exploitation by the company. The fact that the beta will only be available for these volunteers is likely to reignite this debate and be a source of frustration for interested gamers who don’t have the time or inclination to volunteer. With no word about whether the beta will eventually be open to more players or how volunteers will be granted access at this time,The Day Beforeis likely to draw more scrutiny in the coming days.
For some time, commentators have been discussinghowThe Day Beforecan improve its marketing. This latest news, and the fact that it was not officially announced but simply revealed in response to journalist questions, would seem to indicate that Fntastic is still struggling with this element of production. Whether news from the beta will ultimately redeem the game remains to be seen. For now, a small group of volunteers can look forward to getting a glimpse of what’s to come later this month.
The Day Before
WHERE TO PLAY
The Day Before offers players a uniquely reimagined journey into post-apocalyptic open-world MMO survival set in the present day on the US East Coast following a deadly pandemic.SURVIVE AT ALL COSTSFight other players for survival. Survive against the deadly infected. Collect valuable loot.DISCOVER THE NEW POST-PANDEMIC WORLDExplore the beautiful and richly detailed New Fortune City. Enter tall skyscrapers, business centers, massive malls, grand stadiums, and more. Uncover distant surroundings of New Fortune City on stunningly detailed vehicles.REBUILD SOCIETYJoin the Woodberry survivor colony on its mission to rebuild society. Trade items in Woodberry and save your wealth in a personal storage room. Build your own home in the safe zone.
