The First Descendant Blasts Off With 10 Million Players, But Controversy Lingers

Nexon’s latest offering, The First Descendant, has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing over 10 million players in its first week. This free-to-play looter shooter has proven to be a magnet for gamers, despite facing a barrage of controversy surrounding its monetization and comparisons to other titles.

The game launched to a mixed bag of reviews. While some praised its frenetic action and engaging gameplay loop, others criticized it for feeling derivative of established titles like Destiny and Warframe. Further fueling the fire were concerns about the game’s aggressive microtransaction model, a common point of contention in the free-to-play space.

However, none of this seemed to dampen player enthusiasm. The First Descendant quickly dethroned Elden Ring as the top seller on Steam, boasting a peak concurrent player count of over 264,000 on the platform alone. Nexon has attributed this success to the “tremendous support” of the player base, vowing to deliver “great experiences” moving forward.

So, what’s behind The First Descendant’s meteoric rise? Here are some possible explanations:

• The Free-to-Play Factor: The free-to-play model offers a low barrier to entry, attracting a wider audience compared to traditional buy-to-play titles.
• Action-Packed Gameplay: Looter shooters offer a satisfying loop of shooting, looting, and upgrading, which can be highly addictive.
• Strategic Depth: While comparisons exist, The First Descendant might offer unique mechanics or character builds that resonate with players.

Despite the positive player numbers, the controversy surrounding The First Descendant continues. Only time will tell if Nexon can address player concerns and maintain this level of engagement, or if The First Descendant fades into the crowded looter shooter landscape. We shall see if this is short lived or if it really can stand the test of time like the game that heavily inspired this, Destiny. I have greatly enjoyed my time with it so far, but I am concerned with how long it will stick or continue to be supported.