Last July, enthusiasm was sky-high for “The First Descendant” as it burst onto the gaming scene. It enjoyed a blockbuster opening month, hitting a stunning peak of over 264,000 players, an impressive milestone for any game. However, as the initial buzz faded, so did the player numbers, dropping significantly from those early heights. Still, Nexon, the game’s developer, has been diligently releasing fresh content and updates across all platforms. But that ongoing support is set to change come June 19.
## Dropping PS4 Support
A recent developer livestream brought some disappointing news, highlighted on ResetEra, that Nexon will cease its support for the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game on June 19, just a little before the title’s first birthday. The game’s growth in size has become too much to manage for last-gen consoles, according to the developers, who have expressed the challenges in maintaining the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions.
For players still enjoying the game on the PS4, this means “The First Descendant” will be rendered unplayable on that console after the date mentioned, and it will also be removed from the PlayStation Store. The upside is that players’ progress won’t be forfeit; it can be transferred if they upgrade to a PS5 before June 19, allowing them to pick up where they left off on a current-gen system.
## Mixed Reviews and Controversy
“The First Descendant” falls in the free-to-play, third-person shooter category and was greeted with a variety of opinions when it hit the market. Its Metacritic score sits at an average of 57, based on 21 critic reviews, reflecting a mixed reception. Meanwhile, Steam users also echo this sentiment with a “Mixed” rating. Players often find the initial phase engaging, but criticism mounts regarding a lackluster endgame experience.
Adding to the game’s challenges, Nexon faced accusations concerning plagiarism, specifically allegations of borrowing art assets from Bungie’s “Destiny.” In the face of these claims, Nexon assured players they’d make sure any comparable imagery is distinct and reflects “The First Descendant’s” unique identity.
Even with its ups and downs, Nexon seems committed to pushing forward, focusing on improving and expanding the experience for current-generation players.
