Support for PS4 and Xbox One Discontinued for The First Descendant
Nexon Ends Support for The First Descendant on PS4 and Xbox One
Nexon, the developer behind the third-person looter shooter "The First Descendant," has made a significant announcement: it will no longer support the game on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One starting June 19. This decision comes just before the game’s first anniversary, marking a pivotal change for players on these last-generation consoles.
The Rise and Fall of Player Numbers
"The First Descendant" launched last year as a free-to-play title, attracting a whopping 10 million players in its first week. Despite this impressive start, interest in the game has declined over time. According to data from SteamDB, the game saw an average of approximately 8,227 players online concurrently in February. At its peak in July, the number spiked to 123,352 players, but by August, it dropped to an average of 54,662 players. This decline in player engagement has raised questions about the game’s future, especially on older gaming platforms.
Reasons for Ending Support
Nexon explained that the choice to stop support for PS4 and Xbox One is aimed at enhancing player satisfaction. As the company looks to expand the game’s scope and features, they encountered challenges maintaining versions suitable for older consoles. The developers mentioned that increased complexity in game design has made it difficult to ensure a smooth gaming experience on these last-generation systems.
Cross-Save Feature Available
For gamers who currently play "The First Descendant" on PS4 or Xbox One, there’s good news. Even though support will be ending, players can still transfer their game progress to newer platforms. This cross-save functionality allows users to continue their journey on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC without losing their hard-earned progress. This feature offers some relief for dedicated players, making it easier to transition away from older consoles.
Developer’s Response to Controversies
When "The First Descendant" was initially released, it faced criticism over its visual similarities to another popular sci-fi game, "Destiny 2." Players pointed out that many of the icons and weapons seemed borrowed from the another established franchise. In response, Nexon expressed their respect for other "looter shooters" and eventually removed the disputed designs from the game. This change highlights the developers’ awareness and willingness to address community feedback, a step that many game developers often overlook.
Future Updates
While Nexon is discontinuing support for PS4 and Xbox One, the company has committed to providing ongoing updates and content for players on newer platforms. This means that players who choose to migrate to current-generation consoles can expect new challenges, improved graphics, and more engaging gameplay features. Developers are likely focusing on ensuring that the game remains fresh and appealing to keep the remaining player base engaged.
Community Engagement
The gaming community’s reaction to Nexon’s decision is mixed. Some players are disappointed about the lack of support for their consoles but appreciate the cross-save feature that allows them to continue their progress. Others argue that the growing complexity of modern games necessitates a focus on newer hardware. Community forums have been buzzing with discussions, as players share their thoughts and strategies about the transition.
Conclusion
In summary, Nexon’s decision to stop supporting "The First Descendant" on PS4 and Xbox One reflects the broader trend in the gaming industry, which often sees developers moving away from older systems in favor of enhancing experiences on newer technology. While it may be a sad day for many last-generation console players, the availability of cross-save functions makes the transition smoother. As Nexon continues to support the game on newer consoles, the hope remains that it will foster renewed interest and growth in its player community going forward.
