Oh boy, here we go again. Yet another game that was originally pitched as a title that was slated to be released for Steam and GOG, has been poached. Phoenix Point, an X-Com spiritual successor is now heading to the Epic Games Store, despite the original crowdfunded offering being pitched for Steam. X-Com creator Julian Gollop, who headed up the team behind the game, Snapshot Games, explains this is to continuing offering support for the game. At least well after the game is released.
This situation is a bit different than some of the AAA games that were slated to go to Steam, then yanked at the last second. For you see, then Phoenix Point was pitched, the game was originally supposed to be available on Steam and GOG. The Epic Games Store wasn’t even a thing when the game was crowdfunded, which resulted in the development of the title. I’m still confused about this all. If the move is to provide future updates and to further the game, why would this be any different if it was on Steam? Outside of the revenue split that is.
However, due to this recent change, the title is no longer coming to Steam. Or GOG, or anywhere else it was originally planned to be released on.
We have some big news. Phoenix Point is coming to the Epic Games Store, and we have a special bonus for our backers. Check out the full details in the announcement here: https://t.co/MBGYkPGo59
— Phoenix Point (@Phoenix_Point) March 12, 2019
To pitch a game, to have a community created and flourish within the Steam community and ultimately have those people fund your game. Only to decide that you’re going to stab them in the back is disgusting. If it wasn’t for those same people, the game more than likely would not have even gotten off the ground. But that’s not even the kicker.
This is. According to their updated FAQ, all other outlets and stores such as Steam and GOG won’t get their keys for a year.
Where will I be able to play Phoenix Point on PC and Mac? Will the game ever be released on Steam, GOG.com or through other third-party outlets?
Part of our arrangement with Epic is a one year-exclusivity period on PC and Mac through the Epic Games Store. One year after release, we’ll be able to distribute the game through other third-party stores, such as Steam and GOG.com. All backers up to this point will also STILL receive a Steam or GOG key after the 1 year exclusivity period. The Steam/GOG key will also receive the same 1 year of free DLC which came with the Epic key.
Are you seriously believing that this is an acceptable solution to those who backed this game? I sure don’t. Now that the game has a 1-year exclusive deal with Epic Games, it also means that it will be an entire year before anyone else gets their game keys. So if you backed the game for Steam, you’re going to have to wait an entire year to get your game code. Sure, they’re going to offer refunds to everyone who doesn’t like this decision and I sort of commend them for this. However, the way that this entire situation is being handled is bothering me. No, I’ll be honest, this is beyond shitty and anti-consumer.
That’s not all, as there are more casualties in this recent assault. Phoenix Point was supposed released on PC, Mac, and Linux. Seeing how the game isn’t coming to Steam anytime soon, this also means that it won’t be coming to Linux either. Why? Well, there’s no EGS launcher for Linux, which means no game for the Linux gaming community either.
I suppose the only silver lining to this is that Snapshot Games was able to develop their game and that it’s still coming to the Xbox. Everything else about this is really making it hard for me to believe that anything happening with the Epic Games Store is good for the PC gaming community.
I sincerely hope we don’t end up hearing about more companies that end up changing their original promises after they’ve gotten their money and created their game. In this instance, I’m really saddened and frustrated that this has happened. It feels that neither Snapshot Games or Epic Games care about those who were stepped on to make this all happen in the first place. I wonder how many people are going to ask for a refund after this is all said and done.
Sound off if you think this was a good idea or if you are affected by this recent change. As for me, I’ve already asked for my refund. This is not how you’re supposed to treat your fans and those who helped make your dream reality.
Phoenix Point was slated to be released this June 2019 but was release delayed until September 2019.
