Project Phoenix Update: A Long-Awaited Promise to Fans by Dev Team

Hey gamers, remember the ambitious Project Phoenix? If not, don’t stress too much; you’re not alone! Originally unveiled back in 2013 on Kickstarter, this real-time strategy game with a heavy JRPG twist quickly hit its $1 (approx. Rs 280) million funding goal. Fast forward to today, and the campaign page feels like a deserted wasteland, with platforms like PlayStation Vita and PS4 listed as past dreams alongside a long-gone “mid-2015” release window.

When it burst onto the scene, Project Phoenix had gamers buzzing with excitement. The artwork was stunning, reminiscent of what we later saw in Octopath Traveler. The project secured over ten times its original funding goal, backed by a talented team boasting experience from titans like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, Final Fantasy, and Diablo. So, what happened along the way?

Well, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster! After a series of missed deadlines, updates from game director Hiroaki Yura evaporated, leaving fans in radio silence since 2019. Understandably, this long stretch without news has left many feeling disillusioned. However, Yura recently broke the silence with a detailed update on Kickstarter, shedding light on the project’s struggles, the use of the funds, and where things stand now.

“It’s been a long seven years since my last update. I want to address that right upfront,” Yura stated. “You trusted me with your backing, and I owe you an explanation. So here I am, ready to show you that Project Phoenix is very much alive.” He admitted that his previous silence was a mistake, saying, “A simple, ‘we’re still working, just slowly’ would have been far better than nothing.”

Yura explained that personal challenges took a toll on him, and a key programmer, critical to the project’s tech, left the team. Rebuilding around that loss was a lengthy and costly process. Instead of rushing back to fans with half-baked updates, he chose to focus on establishing a solid business that could support the game’s development more effectively. “The work I’ve done since then has funded Phoenix, not the other way around,” he clarified.

It’s also worth noting that while Yura was off developing other projects, the perception grew that Project Phoenix had been abandoned. “Those side projects helped me earn the money to keep Phoenix alive. We’ve never profited from those games; every bit of revenue goes straight back into finishing this one,” he explained.

Reflecting on the $1 (approx. Rs 280) million raised, Yura admitted that not every dollar was spent wisely, but insisted that all funds went into Project Phoenix. As for the future, he noted that the game is now more ambitious than originally envisioned and aims for completion by the end of 2031. “I prefer a solid target over a comfortable one,” he mentioned, promising more frequent updates as they progress.

In a bid for transparency, Yura announced a new Project Phoenix Discord where fans can stay in the loop on development and interact with the team. “To everyone still with us after all this time, thank you. I intend to earn back the trust you put in me,” he promised.

So, while it’s been a long wait, at least there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon for Project Phoenix fans. Stay tuned for more updates as the journey continues!

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.