In the wake of the announcement regarding the shutdown of MultiVersus, the game’s director, Tony Huynh, has publicly responded to the ensuing player backlash. Launched initially in July 2022, MultiVersus is a crossover platform fighter akin to Nintendo’s iconic Smash Bros.series, featuring a diverse roster that includes characters like Batman, Shaggy, and LeBron James. Despite a promising start, the game’s early access was discontinued in June 2023, with a full launch occurring nearly a year later in May 2024.
Upon the recent announcement of MultiVersus’s closure, Huynh took to X to address player concerns, particularly condemning the troubling trend of threats directed towards the development team. Such behavior, he emphasized, is unacceptable. Huynh expressed gratitude for the hard work put in by Player First Games and encouraged players to make the most of the upcoming Season 5, set to be the final season before the service ends.
MultiVersus Director Tony Huynh Addresses Live-Service Shutdown
Insights from MultiVersus’s Director on Player Reactions
The platform fighter genre often finds itself overshadowed by Smash Bros.in terms of popularity, yet MultiVersus has also drawn significant scrutiny due to various controversies surrounding its launch, monetization strategies, gameplay mechanics, and character selections. In his statement, Huynh discussed one such controversial decision: the inclusion of the Banana Guard, a minor character from Adventure Time. He clarified that this choice was intended as a light-hearted addition, quickly fabricated without neglecting other character opportunities, which had been a source of fan speculation.
While Huynh’s commentary does not address every criticism faced by MultiVersus, it offers valuable insights into the game’s development process. By dispelling some player misconceptions about the game’s downturn and subsequent closure, he provides clarity to a complex situation. The future of Player First Games remains uncertain, but Huynh hopes the studio can navigate beyond the shadows of its first game’s fate. Importantly, he urged players to refrain from resorting to threats in their expressions of disappointment.
The Impact of MultiVersus’s Closure on Its Community
The Backlash from Fans Over Multiple Issues
As the shutdown date looms, many fans of MultiVersus are expressing their frustration, with some feeling deceived after investing both time and money into the game. The decision to essentially “close”the game for an extended period before its re-launch, coupled with contentious gameplay changes and disappointing character additions, has triggered significant dissent and a notable decline in the player base.
Currently, a grassroots movement dubbed #SaveMultiVersus aims to rally support for the game, receiving acknowledgement from select members of the Player First Games team. However, the likelihood of this effort yielding tangible results appears slim. There remains a possibility that a successful Season 5, coupled with positive community feedback, might attract enough attention to alter the course, but as of now, the outlook seems bleak for the continuation of MultiVersus.
Source: @Tony_Huynh/X
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