NetEase delays console release of hero shooter FragPunk just a day before launch

by Danny Craig  · 
NetEase delays console release of hero shooter FragPunk just a day before launch
NetEase

Only a day before FragPunk's launch, NetEase confirmed that only the PC version’s release will go ahead, delaying the console version indefinitely.

The details:

  • FragPunk, which was announced at Xbox's Summer Showcase last year, is a 5v5 hero shooter developed by Bad Guitar Studio that features a unique mechanic that allows players to activate various cards that change not only gameplay but also the world around them.

  • The game was set to release on March 6 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. However, just one day before its release, its development team announced on X that the console versions have been delayed indefinitely due to "unexpected technical challenges in optimization and adaptation."

  • Since the PC version will still be released as expected, Bad Guitar has offered compensation to those who pre-ordered FragPunk on console, automatically providing them all of Season 1's rewards when the game finally launches. The rewards offered include in-game currency, experience, cosmetics, and more, which are normally obtained through gameplay, with an additional $10 worth of in-game currency also being distributed.

  • All current console pre-orders will be canceled, with both platforms issuing automatic refunds. “Rather than rushing the console release and providing a potentially poor user experience, we have made the difficult decision to delay the launch of the console versions to ensure that players receive a comparable experience to those on PC,” the studio said. “We understand that delays are frustrating, and we sincerely apologize for the wait.

  • The surprise delay is yet another hurdle for Chinese publisher NetEase, which was reported last week to be scaling back its international operations. The plan has already resulted in the closure of several studios due to funding cuts, as well as layoffs at the design studio behind Marvel Rivals.

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