Tencent’s decision to discontinue Synced, its free-to-play multiplayer shooter, marks a swift end to a game that launched only a year ago. Initially debuting on September 8, 2023, Synced will cease operations on September 9, 2024.
The announcement, made by developer Next Studios on Steam, came without a clear explanation for the abrupt shutdown. Players were reassured that they could continue playing and using in-game items until the termination date.
Published under Tencent’s Level Infinite label, Synced had garnered a mixed reception on Steam. With nearly 5,000 user reviews, its rating fluctuated, leaning towards ‘mixed,’ reflecting varied player experiences. Some users praised the game itself but lamented issues such as problematic matchmaking and perceived stagnation in player engagement.
SteamDB data indicated that Synced peaked with over 10,000 concurrent players roughly ten months ago, but this number has dwindled significantly, with recent peaks as low as 380 players over six months.
The decline in player numbers underscores the challenges faced by Synced in sustaining its player base. Despite its initial promise and some positive player feedback, persistent issues and a diminishing active player community likely contributed to Tencent’s decision to retire the game.
As the gaming community awaits further clarification from Tencent regarding the reasons behind Synced’s closure, the announcement serves as a reminder of the competitive and volatile nature of the online gaming market, where success can be fleeting and player sentiment can heavily influence a game’s fate.
