# The Finals: An Impressive Free-to-Play Shooter Slipping into Oblivion – What Went Wrong?
In a time when the appetite for top-tier shooters is at an unprecedented level, *The Finals* ought to be leading the discussion. With its innovative destruction mechanics, inventive gameplay, and free-to-play framework, it possesses all the elements to be a tremendous success. However, despite its promise, the game is facing challenges in staying relevant, with barely around 15,000 players active at peak hours on Steam. Even older games like *Battlefield 1* and *Left 4 Dead 2* have more simultaneous players. So, what’s happening with *The Finals*, and why has it faded from conversations?
## A Shooter Worthy of More Focus
Fundamentally, *The Finals* is a first-person shooter brought to life by Embark Studios, a group of ex-*Battlefield* developers. The game presents a distinctive spin on the genre with its remarkably intricate destruction engine, enabling players to demolish entire city blocks in dramatic ways. This degree of environmental obliteration is unmatched in the arena of shooters, granting players the capability to transform the battlefield in real-time.
But there’s more to it. The game fosters inventive teamwork via its class-based system, allowing players to merge gadgets and abilities to set traps, perform clever strategies, and catch foes off-guard. Whether it’s deploying explosives to bring down a structure on adversaries or orchestrating ambushes using gadgets, *The Finals* motivates creative thinking.
Additionally, the game is free-to-play, with monetization restricted to cosmetic items. All gameplay content can be accessed without spending any money, broadening its reach to a larger audience. So, why isn’t it gaining more traction?
## The Early Excitement and the Downturn
Upon its initial release, *The Finals* appeared set for triumph. The game hit a peak of 242,619 simultaneous players on Steam, a figure that eclipses many other trending shooters. Yet, that early wave of enthusiasm soon faded, and the player count has been in a consistent decline ever since. As reported by SteamDB, the game’s player statistics have been decreasing, with only a small portion of its initial player base remaining.
While the game is also accessible on consoles, the figures indicate that the decline in interest is not confined to PC users. So, what transpired?
## The Challenge of Sustained Engagement
A key issue haunting *The Finals* seems to be its inability to ensure long-term engagement. Although the game provides a robust foundation with its destruction mechanics and team-oriented gameplay, it might fall short in offering sufficient motivation for players to remain dedicated. Certainly, there are challenges, unlockable weapons, and cosmetic features, but these elements are commonplace in contemporary shooters. Gamers are seeking more substantial incentives to keep them engaged over a prolonged period.
The rollout of a battle pass and options for cosmetic customization has not sufficed to retain players. It’s conceivable that *The Finals* needs to implement more impactful progression systems or enduring objectives that render the grind meaningful. Without a compelling rationale to continue playing, even the most groundbreaking mechanics can wane in their appeal over time.
## Marketing and Awareness Challenges
Another aspect contributing to the game’s decline is its insufficient visibility. Despite being a free-to-play title with remarkable mechanics, *The Finals* has struggled to keep itself in players’ awareness. In an ever-competitive market, even outstanding titles can become overlooked without effective marketing strategies.
While Embark Studios has begun to enhance their promotional efforts, which includes releasing additional trailers on platforms like TikTok, it might be too little, too late. Many gamers are unaware of this exceptional shooter’s existence, and those who are may not find enough motivation to try it out. As one Reddit user succinctly put it, “Nobody wants to give the game a shot, and I just don’t get it. When I talk to my friends about it, the response is ‘Wow, that seems awesome,’ and then they never actually play it – even the die-hard fans of *Apex* and *Valorant*.”
## Publisher Concerns and the Prospects for *The Finals*
In May 2024, publisher Nexon disclosed that *The Finals* was not meeting internal expectations. Sales and player retention fell short of their projections, raising worries among the community about the game’s future. A Reddit discussion surrounding the news was filled with discontent and bewilderment, with numerous players expressing disbelief that such a well-made game could be struggling.
Nonetheless, there remains optimism for *The Finals*. Embark Studios appears to recognize the game’s deficiencies and is taking action to rectify them. For instance, the upcoming Season 4 will reintroduce the Ranked mode, which was previously taken out due to a contentious change in the game’s structure. This could potentially reignite interest among