2D Side-Scrolling MMORPG Element Quest Online Has Sunsetted On Steam

MapleStory-like Element Quest Online is shutting down until further notice just three months after the indie 2D MMORPG launched on Steam. Developer Musclebird cites negative feedback, lack of players, and lack of profit as the main reasons behind their decision to pull the plug. The final nail on the coffin was when a core developer left the team for the same reasons.

“We initially thought players would see beyond the game's early-state flaws and believe in its potential and future,” said Musclebird. “But alas, players see it and treat it like a full complete and paid-for product. [. . .] The team has been demotivated by the fact that the game has been taken so negatively, while trying to fix the situation, we didn't manage to score enough victories and keep the ship afloat.”

“[. . .] We were heavily inspired by old-school MS, and had a dream, to recreate and succeed upon that old experience, bring new, modern and innovative mechanics to a side-scroller online world,” they added. Hopefully, the game will return back to service in the near future. With a better gameplay experience, a smaller target audience, no localization, maybe under a different name.”

Those who want to continue playing the game can download the mobile version on Google Play which will continue to operate indefinitely.

More information can be found on the Element Quest Online Steam page.