Former Boss Lashes Out at Devs for Butchering the Game With Disastrous Awakening Update

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Former Boss Lashes Out at Devs for Butchering the Game With Disastrous Awakening Update

When Dauntless finally made its Steam debut earlier this month, it should have been a moment of triumph for Phoenix Labs. After years of Epic Games Store exclusivity, the free-to-play monster-hunting action game was ready to reach a whole new audience, complete with what the developers proudly dubbed their “BIGGEST UPDATE EVER.”

What a fumble to end the year with. | Image Credit: Phoenix Labs

Instead, what followed was nothing short of a catastrophe. With over 1,400 reviews contributing to an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating on Steam (a mere 16% positive), it’s clear that something has gone terribly wrong. But perhaps most telling is the fact that one of the game’s original creators has now broken their silence about the controversial update.

Instead, what followed was nothing short of a catastrophe. With over 1,400 reviews contributing to an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating on Steam (a mere 16% positive), it’s clear that something has gone terribly wrong. But perhaps most telling is the fact that one of the game’s original creators has now broken their silence about the controversial update.

The fall of Dauntless’ “free-to-slay” dream

The “Awakening” update has fundamentally altered nearly every aspect of Dauntless, and not in a good way. Veterans have found their progress completely reset, favorite weapons removed, and carefully crafted builds rendered useless. The introduction of loot boxes and a battle pass that no longer rewards premium currency has left many feeling betrayed.

Dauntless was created because we had all grown tired of playing Japanese Monster Hunter on handhelds (it was on 3DS at the time), and dealing with aching hands, cumbersome inventory management, and lore that wasn’t super approachable for a global audience.

This original vision, as described by former associate producer Jessie Leigh Gagnon in her recent Linkedin

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, stands in stark contrast to what the game has become.

Where once there was accessibility and player-friendly design, now there are predatory monetization schemes and artificial progression walls.

Dauntless today is no longer Free to Slay. They’ve gutted the core gameplay and crafting mechanics. The essence of the Slayers (who I named just over ten years ago), has been, in fact, slayed to ribbons.

The community’s frustration is palpable, with players particularly upset about the removal of weapon variety and the gutting of the build system. The level gap between activities has also become a major pain point, forcing players into a tedious grind or—surprise, surprise—reaching for their wallets.

A studio lost in the storm

Not the first time we’ve seen a studio so out of touch with its fanbase. | Image Credit: Phoenix Labs

The drastic changes to Dauntless didn’t happen in a vacuum. Following Phoenix Labs‘ acquisition by blockchain company Forte Labs in 2023, the studio underwent significant

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, including management exodus and layoffs.

The result? A game that seems to have lost touch with its roots.

I spent six months in startup mode devoting every minute of my life to the world building and marketing identity of both [Phoenix Labs] and Dauntless, only to hit a brick wall at about 60 mph. I then had to make the very difficult decision to go on leave from the studio to recover.

Gagnon’s personal investment in the project makes her criticism particularly poignant. The game she and her colleagues envisioned as an accessible alternative to Monster Hunter has morphed into something that betrays their original player-first philosophy, with decisions she describes as “blatantly not player focused.”

Her final plea resonates strongly with the community’s sentiment:

I have the privilege of working in academia now, where I can be open and honest about my opinions on other games – and this is the time for me to speak up and say DO BETTER WITH DAUNTLESS. Please, if not for us creators, FOR THE PLAYERS.

What are your thoughts on the controversial changes to Dauntless? Has the Awakening update killed your interest in the game, or do you see potential for redemption? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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#Boss #Lashes #Devs #Butchering #Game #Disastrous #Awakening #Update

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