Major Multiplayer Game Ends PS4 Support Just One Year After Release

When The First Descendant hit the scene last July, the buzz was palpable. It kicked off with an impressive bang, pulling in a staggering 264,000 players at its peak in the first month. But, as is often the case, that initial wave of enthusiasm has waned, with player numbers taking a noticeable dip over time. Nonetheless, developer Nexon has been diligently updating and releasing new content across all platforms, at least until June 19.

In a recent developer livestream highlighted on ResetEra, Nexon revealed that support for the PS4 and Xbox One will cease on June 19, just shy of the game’s first anniversary. The rationale behind this decision hinges on the game’s expanding scale, which requires more resources than the older systems can efficiently handle. Developers have acknowledged the challenges they’ve faced in maintaining versions for these last-generation consoles.

This decision spells disappointment for PS4 users, as The First Descendant will become unplayable on that platform in June and will be removed from the PlayStation Store. However, there’s a silver lining: PS4 players who upgrade to a PS5 before June 19 can carry over their in-game progress to the new console without a hitch.

The First Descendant, a free-to-play third-person looter shooter, stirred a mix of opinions upon its release. It sits at an average score of 57 on Metacritic based on 21 critic reviews, and Steam users have given it a “Mixed” reception. While players seem to enjoy the initial gameplay loop, there’s significant criticism regarding its endgame content.

Additionally, Nexon faced accusations of plagiarizing artwork from Destiny, developed by Bungie, when The First Descendant was launched. In response, Nexon has committed to ensuring that any potentially similar imagery distinctly represents the game’s unique identity.