Just Days After Early Access Launch, This Exciting New Steam Game Faces Shutdown – What Happened?

Studio Chaf has decided to shut down its first game, Velev, just days after launching it on Steam Early Access on April 9. The team expressed disappointment, stating they couldn’t secure the funding needed to keep the game alive. "Despite our best efforts, we faced challenges in attracting investors," the studio said in a statement.

They acknowledged that Velev was not in the best shape at launch, but felt Early Access was their only way to continue development. Unfortunately, they found it necessary to step away entirely.

In a significant move, Velev will transition to a free-to-play model, and all purchases will be fully refunded. Although the game’s servers will close eventually, the exact date hasn’t been announced yet.

Velev combines MOBA-style player-versus-player (PvP) action with player-versus-environment (PvE) elements. Players explore a mysterious void in the Earth where technology and nature collide in a unique environment.

This situation isn’t entirely new in the gaming world. Just recently, the game The Day Before faced a similar fate, with its developers halting the project shortly after release due to overwhelming criticism and technical issues.

Steam has also introduced a new feature for early access games. If a game hasn’t been updated in several months, its page will now alert potential buyers. This change aims to support gamers in making informed purchases.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, stories like Velev’s underline the challenges developers face in today’s market. Many small studios struggle to find financial backing, leading to tough decisions. According to a recent survey by the Game Developers Conference, 43% of developers cite funding as their most significant hurdle.

In conclusion, the fate of Velev highlights the fragile nature of game development and the importance of ongoing support. Only time will tell how these changes will impact future early access games and their success in the crowded gaming industry.

Source link