Introduction

In a startling turn of events, the once-popular live looter shooter, *The First Descendant,* has seen a staggering 96.4% decline in its player base just six months after its launch. Launched in July 2023, the game initially attracted a strong following, peaking at an impressive 264,860 players. Fast forward to today, and the current peak on Steam barely scrapes 9,781 players.

What Went Wrong?

While *The First Descendant* entered the market with potential, offering a compelling structure, engaging gameplay mechanics, and robust loot systems, it quickly became mired in issues that would prove detrimental to its longevity. One major factor appears to be the game's seasonal model, which, instead of providing consistent content and engagement, has turned into a series of temporary fluctuations in player numbers.

The arrival of each new season or update has only managed to generate brief spikes in player activity, rarely exceeding 26,000 players even for limited times.

Critical Gameplay Issues

Critics argue that *The First Descendant* has failed to address key aspects of its gameplay. Reward loops, essential in keeping players invested, have proven to be punishingly low, with drop rates that leave much to be desired. The introduction of new characters every season adds to player frustration, as they often start from scratch and require extensive investment to reach a competitive level.

This begs the question: if players have invested significant time and resources into maxing out existing heroes, why would they want to go through the grind again for new ones?

Comparative Analysis

Other games in the genre, like *Genshin Impact,* have successfully navigated this dilemma by integrating new characters into their reward systems more effectively. Unfortunately, *The First Descendant* has missed the mark in this regard, leaving many players disillusioned.

Conclusion

While the game's fate isn't sealed yet, the ongoing decline serves as a cautionary tale for the live looter genre. Without significant expansions or overhauls to entice players back, it may struggle to reclaim its former player base. As we observe the video game landscape evolve, only time will tell if *The First Descendant* can rise from the ashes or if it will become another example of a promising title that couldn't sustain its initial momentum.

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