Afterinfection

If you have never heard of the game, Afterinfection, I would not blame you. This game looked like it could compete with some of the other low-effort survival games out there and maybe even become a great game, but sadly it looks like the game has been shoved in the closet under the stairs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, few titles manage to capture the intrigue of gamers while also maintaining their engagement over time. “Afterinfection,” developed by RePatrick21, promised to be one such game—an open-world survival adventure that teased the imaginations of many upon its announcement. However, as time passed, the shimmering veneer of potential began to tarnish, revealing a core of issues that have led to widespread disappointment within its community.

The Early Promise:

“Afterinfection” entered the gaming scene with the allure of a single-player mode that boasted a unique take on the survival genre. The initial gameplay trailers and developer diaries suggested a rich, post-apocalyptic world teeming with dangers and opportunities for crafting and exploration. The premise was engaging: players would navigate a desolate landscape, scavenging for resources, building shelters, and fending off threats both human and inhuman.

The Reality of Early Access:

As with many indie titles, “Afterinfection” was released into Early Access on Steam, a decision that often allows developers to refine their games with direct feedback from the player base. This approach can lead to successful, well-rounded games, but it requires a commitment to communication and consistent content updates—areas where RePatrick21 began to falter.

Players initially patient with the slow trickle of updates soon found themselves grappling with a lack of substantial content and features that had been promised. The game’s forums and Discord channels became hotbeds of frustration, with players voicing concerns over the direction of the game and the absence of meaningful developer interaction.

The Shift in Focus:

Matters were further complicated when whispers began to circulate about RePatrick21’s involvement in a new project—an endeavor that bore a striking resemblance to the popular game “Ark: Survival Evolved.” This new focus seemed to come at the expense of “Afterinfection,” with players accusing the developer of abandoning the game in favor of this ‘Ark ripoff.’ This new game is called, "Wild Alone".

The community’s trust, once given freely in anticipation of a rewarding gaming experience, was now in jeopardy. The sense of abandonment was palpable, and the term ‘scam’ was bandied about with increasing frequency. The developer’s reputation took a hit, and with it, the game’s prospects for a successful future.

The Impact of Developer Decisions:

In the indie gaming world, the relationship between developers and their community is paramount. A developer’s decision to pivot to a new project is not in itself a cause for criticism—indeed, the creative process is fluid, and new inspirations can lead to exciting ventures. However, the manner in which this transition is handled can make or break a game’s legacy.

For “Afterinfection,” the perceived neglect and the opaque nature of RePatrick21’s shift in focus have cast a long shadow over what could have been a standout title in the survival genre. The game’s community, once hopeful and supportive, now feels misled and undervalued.

Conclusion:

The story of “Afterinfection” serves as a cautionary tale for indie developers. It underscores the importance of transparency, consistent updates, and a respectful acknowledgment of the community’s investment—both emotional and financial. While the future of “Afterinfection” remains uncertain, the lessons it imparts will resonate with players and developers alike, reminding us that in the world of gaming, trust is the most valuable currency.

This review is a critical analysis based on the available information and player feedback. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation surrounding “Afterinfection” and its developer, RePatrick21.