Summary
- Development of the Steam FPS Fortune's Run has been halted due to the creator's 3-year prison sentence.
- The game is now in early access limbo.
Fans of the Steam FPS Fortune's Run are facing disappointment as the game may remain in early access for an extended period. The game's sole developer, known as Dizzie, has been sentenced to three years in prison, causing a unique halt in development that is rare among Steam games, which typically face delays due to financial or technical issues.
Prior to this news, Fortune's Run had garnered a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, appreciated for its nostalgic art style and engaging gameplay despite being in early access. However, fans will have to wait longer for updates as Dizzie's incarceration will delay further development. While games like Half-Life 2 have overcome similar challenges, the future of Fortune's Run remains uncertain.
Dizzie announced their prison sentence in a Steam update on January 14, explaining that the crime occurred before they started working on Fortune's Run and that they were "a very violent person" during that time. Although Dizzie did not disclose the specifics of the crime, they remain optimistic about finishing the game post-release. This situation is reminiscent of other gaming personalities facing legal issues, such as streamer Johnny Somali's recent arrest in South Korea.
Progress on Fortune's Run Won't Continue Until Developer Is Released From Prison
Originally, Fortune's Run had another team member who left the project after recovering from a botched surgery and losing interest in game development. With Dizzie as the sole developer, the game's progress will pause entirely during their three-year sentence, starting in February 2025. The Steam page still lists an early access exit target of 2026, but this is now unlikely. However, other indie games like Satisfactory have taken over five years to leave early access, suggesting that a three-year delay is not unprecedented.
Dizzie remains hopeful about completing the game upon their release. In the meantime, fans can continue playing the current version of Fortune's Run, and there are numerous other early access shooters on Steam to explore until development can resume.
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