UPDATE 11/19: Fntastic has reached out to clarify that no AI has been used in the development of its new game ITEMS. The comment in the Discord server was from a fan, not an actual Fntastic developer.

The article has been updated accordingly.

Fntastic faced major backlash after The Day Before was released, with the project being accused of false advertising and quickly getting pulled from storefronts. Hoping to move on from the blunder, Fntastic has moved on to new game ITEMS, though it too has found itself at the center of controversy.

Players may recall the controversial launch of The Day Before, which was met with unanimously negative responses from audiences and critics. The release had a number of unfortunate bugs and failed to meet consumer expectations of an open-world action survival game. After a number of layoffs, Fntastic quickly changed direction and began working on new projects.

A since-clarified report by TheGamer said that a comment posted in an official Discord server claimed the team utilized ChatGPT to write character bios for its upcoming prop hunt game, ITEMS. Fntastic would not be the first studio to utilize artificial intelligence in video games if that were the case, but the comment was actually made by a fan, not a team member. This led to some confusion about whether ChatGPT was being used to make ITEMS or not, but Fntastic has said that no AI is being used in the development of the game.

Fntastic Relying on ChatGPT and Community Content to Develop New Game

Many have pointed to Fntastic's prior accusations of unfinished work with The Day Before and its failed Kickstarter campaign for another project as evidence that the studio may not be allotting the necessary dedication to ITEMS. However, the company has remained adamant that its "huge desire" for making games is being paired with doing the best job possible. Whether Fntastic will be able to win back audiences with ITEMS remains to be seen.

As such, many remain uncertain of the future of ITEMS and other potential titles from Fntastic, though the company remains insistent that all is being done for the benefit of the players.

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The Day Before game tag page cover art

The Day Before
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Open-World
Zombie
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Systems
PC-1
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Top Critic Avg: 12 /100
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Released
December 7, 2023
Developer(s)
Fntastic
Publisher(s)
MYTONA
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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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 COSTS
Fight other players for survival. Survive against the deadly infected. Collect valuable loot.


DISCOVER THE NEW POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Explore 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 SOCIETY
Join 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.

Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
Open-World, Zombie
OpenCritic Rating
Weak