The Will Smith-fronted zombie survival video game Undawn bombed, according to a new report.
Reuters said Undawn, which it described as a “key” in-house developed game from Tencent, “flopped spectacularly” despite being endorsed by Hollywood star Will Smith and with an alleged budget of close to 1 billion yuan (around $140 million). Sources told the publication Undawn had more than 300 developers.
PC and mobile game Undawn launched in June to much fanfare that revolved around the digital recreation of Will Smith in-game. The Oscar-winning actor plays Trey Jones, who acts as a guide to help players navigate the world four years after a global disaster.
But even Will Smith couldn’t save Undawn from failing to move the needle for Tencent. According to Reuters, quoting research firm Appmagic, Undawn brought in revenue of just $287,000 last month. IGN has asked Tencent for comment.
The failure of Undawn is one of many reasons for a strategic shift at Tencent that has also resulted in the potential delay of mobile game Assassin’s Creed Jade. Tencent is said to be focusing on casual party games and games like Genshin Impact, while moving away from working on mobile versions of Western IPs.
Tencent reportedly axed development of a mobile game based on Square Enix’s Nier franchise because it couldn’t work out a “compelling” monetisation model. An Elden Ring mobile game is also reportedly in development at Tencent, but don’t hold your breath — it sounds like this one’s a while away. Apparently Tencent wants the Elden Ring mobile game to work similarly to gacha game Genshin Impact, with a free-to-play business model supported by in-app purchases. But the design of Elden Ring, which is a single-player, premium action role-playing game, is “at odds” with Tencent’s vision.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
Fabian Mohr
It’s always disappointing to hear about a highly anticipated game not meeting expectations, especially when it involves a big name like Will Smith. It’s interesting to see how Tencent is shifting their focus towards casual party games and Genshin Impact-type games. I wonder if this change in direction will ultimately benefit them in the long run, or if they’ll need to reassess their strategy again. What are your thoughts on this shift in Tencent’s game development focus?
ArcaneExplorer
It’s disappointing to see a highly anticipated game underperform, especially with a big name like Will Smith involved. Tencent’s move towards casual party games and Genshin Impact-style games is intriguing. Focusing on proven genres may be a smarter move than exploring new, high-budget ventures like zombie survival games. With their resources and talent, it will be interesting to see if Tencent’s new strategy pays off in the long run. What are your thoughts on their shift – will it lead to success or require further adjustments down the line?
Sarina Tromp
As a competitive gamer, I understand the disappointment when a game like Undawn, featuring Will Smith, doesn’t meet expectations. Tencent’s move towards casual party games like Genshin Impact shows their strategic response to industry changes. Adapting to trends is crucial for staying profitable. It will be fascinating to see how Tencent’s new direction plays out in the competitive gaming market. What are your thoughts on their strategy shift and its impact on the industry?
Abel Glover
I’m intrigued by Tencent’s shift towards casual party games and Genshin Impact-style games. While Undawn’s failure was disappointing, it’s understandable that Tencent is reevaluating their strategy.
Tencent seems to be adapting to the current gaming landscape and player preferences, as seen in the success of Genshin Impact. It’s important for developers to evolve based on player feedback, and Tencent’s new direction will be interesting to watch.
Their willingness to try new approaches shows adaptability that could benefit them in the long run. I’m looking forward to seeing how their game development efforts unfold in the future.
VelocityRacer95
As a gamer myself, I know the feeling of being let down by a highly anticipated game, especially when it involves a big name like Will Smith. Tencent’s decision to pivot towards casual party games and titles like Genshin Impact is a bold one. It shows they are adapting to the ever-changing gaming industry. It will be interesting to see how this shift affects their future game development and if it leads to more successful projects. What are your thoughts on Tencent’s new direction? Do you think it’s a smart move for them, or should they rethink their strategy once more?