Wichtige Informationen
Facepunch Studios announced that its sandbox platform s&box will transition to a free-to-play model by the end of 2026. Developer Garry Newman admitted the team previously focused too heavily on engine tools rather than the actual player experience, leading to poor retention and negative reviews since the April 28 Steam launch.
To improve the platform, the team aims to match or exceed the standards of Garry’s Mod by adding more NPCs, vehicles, and robust multiplayer support. Furthermore, the controversial Citizen character model will be removed from menus and the avatar editor, replaced by new human models with improved animations and customization options.
Newman acknowledged significant technical failures, including poor frame rates and an influx of low-quality AI-generated content. Consequently, the Play Fund creator program will shift to an application-based review system to discourage low-effort projects. Additionally, map content is migrating to the Steam Workshop to streamline user access.
Players who purchased the game will receive exclusive Steam items as compensation. While the platform currently struggles with low player counts compared to its predecessor, Facepunch is prioritizing performance optimizations, such as reducing download sizes and improving network synchronization, to regain community trust.
