Deadside, once an online gaming sensation brimming with potential, is rumored to be abandoned by TinyBuild due to unresolved bugs and persistent issues. According to ongoing speculations on Reddit and other social media platforms, TinyBuild struggled to recoup their substantial investment in Deadside and might decide to repurpose its elements to create a new game, Duckside, which is being compared to a cheaper version of Fortnite.
Financial Struggles and Strategic Shifts
TinyBuild has faced criticism for its approach to game development, often accused of mimicking successful games rather than innovating. Duckside is expected to follow a model where most features are locked behind paywalls to secure a steady revenue stream. This strategy comes in the wake of TinyBuild’s significant market value drop from 334GBX to a staggering -234.70 (-97.79%) after acquiring Bad Pixel in 2021. The financial strain has forced TinyBuild to rethink its approach, prioritizing games with potentially higher profitability margins.
The Future of Deadside
Despite the substantial investment of €17.4 million into Deadside, TinyBuild appears to have deemed the project untenable. Reports indicate that the game’s code and assets are being recycled for Duckside, leading to disappointment among the Deadside community. Players who had high hopes for the game’s evolution feel abandoned as their favorite game is pushed aside.
Influencer Promotion and Authenticity Concerns
Recently, several YouTubers have praised Duckside, describing it as an exciting new release. However, it has been revealed that these content creators are partners with TinyBuild and are compensated to promote the game positively, raising questions about the authenticity of their reviews. This has led to a backlash from the gaming community, who feel misled by sponsored content disguised as genuine enthusiasm.
Disappointment Among Former Deadside Developers
Former Deadside developers and community members have expressed their disappointment with TinyBuild’s handling of the project. Despite its promising potential, Deadside was ultimately sidelined, with a reported €17.4 million investment going to waste as TinyBuild shifted focus to Duckside. The developers’ disillusionment stems from the abrupt abandonment of a project they believed in and had worked hard to develop.
Employee Experience and Company Culture
One former Deadside team member shared a disheartening account of their experience working at TinyBuild. According to this insider, TinyBuild neglects its employees and volunteers, failing to compensate them fairly and showing little respect for their contributions. The team environment at TinyBuild’s headquarters was described as disrespectful and unprofessional. Reports of unpaid staff, ignored feedback, and a lack of support have surfaced, painting a bleak picture of the company’s internal culture.
Demo Release and Security Concerns
In an attempt to generate interest in Duckside, TinyBuild has released a demo of the game. However, the company has been criticized for not learning from past mistakes. Previously, the lack of a controlled private testing team for Deadside led to widespread issues with mod menus and hacks, as these vulnerabilities were often exploited during early access and demo stages. The current approach with Duckside appears to be repeating this pattern, raising concerns about the game’s security and integrity even before its official release.
Community Reaction and Future Implications
The gaming community has reacted strongly to the news, with many expressing frustration and disappointment on forums and social media. The mishandling of Deadside and the questionable marketing tactics for Duckside have led to a loss of trust in TinyBuild. This could have long-term implications for the company’s reputation and its ability to attract both talent and players in the future.
Conclusion
As TinyBuild pivots to Duckside, many within the gaming community and former Deadside staff are left disillusioned. The abrupt shift from Deadside to Duckside, coupled with financial woes and a controversial company culture, paints a challenging picture for TinyBuild’s future in the gaming industry. Potential job seekers and gamers alike are advised to approach TinyBuild with caution. The company’s ability to recover from this controversy and rebuild trust will be critical to its long-term success.
