The First Descendant Soars Despite Controversy: A Deep Dive into Its Success and Similarities
Nexon's latest free-to-play looter shooter, The First Descendant, is making waves in the gaming world. With concurrent player counts skyrocketing to over 243,000 on Steam, it's clear that the game has struck a chord with players. However, this success comes with a side of controversy, as eagle-eyed gamers have spotted some striking similarities to other popular titles.
Unprecedented Success for a New IP
The First Descendant's player numbers are impressive, especially for a new intellectual property:
- Currently hitting 243,000 concurrent players on Steam
- On track to potentially surpass Destiny 2's all-time high
- Outperforming many established franchises and AAA titles
This success challenges the notion of PvE live service looter fatigue and demonstrates the ongoing appeal of free-to-play, loot-based games.
The Free-to-Play Advantage
Analysis of player counts across various games reveals a clear trend:
- Lost Ark: 1.3 million peak (free-to-play)
- Destiny 2: 316,000 peak (free-to-play base with paid expansions)
- The First Descendant: 243,000 peak (free-to-play)
- Warframe: 189,800 peak (free-to-play)
Compared to paid titles:
- Outriders: 125,100 peak
- The Division: 114,200 peak
- Remnant 2: 110,800 peak
The data suggests that the free-to-play model, combined with live service elements, is a potent formula for attracting large player bases.
Controversy: Similarities to Established Titles
While The First Descendant's success is undeniable, it hasn't escaped criticism. Players have noticed several elements that bear a striking resemblance to other games, particularly Destiny 2:
- In-game icons: Multiple icons in The First Descendant appear to be slightly modified versions of Destiny 2 icons.
- Weapon designs: The Different Dream weapon in The First Descendant shares aesthetic similarities with Destiny 2's IKELOS series and Sleeper Simulant.
- Enemy mechanics: A shielded enemy type reportedly behaves similarly to Destiny 2's Cabal Phalanx.
Additionally, the game's overall structure and systems have been compared to Warframe, with some calling it an amalgam of a bunch of games with relatively few original concepts.
The Road Ahead
Despite these controversies, The First Descendant's player numbers continue to climb. The game's success raises questions about the balance between inspiration and innovation in the gaming industry. As players continue to flock to the title, it remains to be seen how Nexon will address these concerns and differentiate their product in the long term.
For now, The First Descendant serves as a case study in the power of the free-to-play model and the enduring appeal of loot-based games, even in a crowded market. Whether it can maintain its momentum and carve out a unique identity will be crucial to its long-term success.