What's happening with THE FINALS? (Cheaters, Balance & Gaming)

Right now the community is in a storm, torn between a battle over the decisions Embark make in each weekly update, and we have to talk. What is the problem? Why is the game in a mixed state and what should Embark do to improve the outcomes?
I'll hopefully not get as much hate but I'm simply talking about the game from my perspective, I've played this game since day one, and watching how the game & communitiy has shifted over the months made me want to create a video to cover each topic, what's happening?
Credits mentioned;
Riot Games VALORANT - • The Round // Gameplay ...
Riot Games VALORANT - • BE THEIR BANE // Primo...
ESL x intel - • Intel: Unleash Greatness
tech HOW - • Apex Legends - How to ...
Sparkles - • I Bought CHEATING GLAS...
LazyLaunda Reddit - / cheater_using_lewis_gu...
Valve - • The first Steam Decks ...
ottr - • STEALTH BUFF: Season 2...
Music;
A Dream to Keep - Alec Slayne
I Know I Ran - Wendel Scherer
The Calling (Instrumental Version) - Vivera
No Turning Back - Alan Carlson Green
Who We Are - Gavin Luke
Freak Out! (Instrumental Version) - Zorro
Mysterious Forest - Howard Harper Barnes
Desperate to Fail - Deskant
Sealed Letters - August Willhelmsson

[@TetraktysGFX]

I'm a game dev, and I wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart. Unfortunately people usually don't even think how stressfull and heartbreaking a situation like this can be, but also, difficult. It's just easier to be mean to people that put heart and soul for YEARS in the development of such titles. You touched a great point, mental health in game dev community is becoming a huge problem because of this. I only wish there were more gamers like you.

[@lukeswift2443]

PLEASE DON'T LET THIS GAME DIE!!!!

[@Calamitious]

@@lukeswift2443 he’s not a game dev for the finals ya ding dong

[@JDgaming-_-69]

I feel for you man. Genuinely whatever you’re working on I hope it works out. Keep grinding 💪🏿

[@j-radbeatsofficial3392]

I couldn't have said it better

[@Frozensoft]

I don't comment on youtube videos ever...but I thought you should know that the Finals is my favorite game. I have put way too much time into this game haha. You have no complaints from me. I also don't spend money on battle passes. But I would donate money to the cause because you guys did such a great job on the game. 10/10

[@icy_demons_]

I hope this game survives because its my favorite FPS

[@nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh777]

Me too

[@realslimshaco8550]

Actually crazy cuz the whole entire fanbase loves it barely see anyone ever complain but the playerbase is shrinking from an already small number of

[@BayouRambler]

I love this game as well! No season pass is a rarity. I invest in their store to show support....and look cool!

[@guapoFrostyy]

@@BayouRambler they do have a season pass/battle pass but what’s nice is you don’t have to buy it to be relevant in game the skins aren’t pay to win nothing gives you an advantage over another player

[@YellowLoading]

I’m going to miss building go boom if it dies

[@lowad8079]

the sponsorship challenge idea is actually really good I hope they introduce that at some point

[@THiiXY]

Honestly such a cool opportunity that, yes, they missed out on, but that doesn't mean it's something they can't add in the future. I hope to see it come in play :)

[@frziez]

⁠@@THiiXYi would definitely say this idea would be more of a season 3 idea as currently we are in the season where we a hacker type sponsor in the system. Definitely by season 3 ( depending what it looks like ) having sponsorship challenges would be very neat

[@xgtwb6473]

Timestamp

[@rsam346]

Yeah this is a huge idea. Would be cool to be able to choose a pathway for your own character and be able to join clans and such off the back of it

[@DrClutchin]

I pray this game survives, thrives, and explodes in popularity. This is the first fps since Halo 3 where I genuinely get excited when a round is won and so many hype moments of outplaying teams. The hero moments for clutching a round is something I missed greatly

[@THiiXY]

1000% this is the last pillar for me on FPS games. If this game falls, I don't think I will be as passionate about another game like this one...

[@CarlosMenaKM]

Halo 3 mentioned 🙏

[@rudyanthony4483]

"This is the first fps since Halo 3 where I genuinely get excited when a round is won" 🤔so true

[@Sxultv]

@@rudyanthony4483 ×3

[@FinnishTrooper]

I just hope Finals survives. It got so many good features from good games, Mirrors Edge style movement, Battlefield environment, Really nice class system that havent seen really any other game other than battlefield.

[@deolensd1895]

yeah, the game made by DICE developers, who made battlefield and mirror's edge. Bro, the sysshorizon made my mind blow off

[@asuraphreak]

It'll do well. What I'd like long term is another bf4 like game.

[@-The-Golden-God-]

If you've been gaming long enough, you'll know full well that the game will slowly degrade over time and then disappear. Free to play doomed it from the start.

[@Tavi78]

this literally became my favorite game. haven’t played much else since the end of 2023, I don’t want it to die :(

[@tillzillz]

this is me as well... I'm not even into FPS games all that much and this one just completely won me over

[@jassieeeee]

Same ☝️

[@raybarrows4418]

I think cheaters should be dealt with before any more nerfs

[@vilrex9119]

and text chat bro very imp solo players have trouble coms problem

[@Danvari]

Sadly, that's kind of an impossible ask. Like it was mentioned in the video, pretty much every major FPS game can't do anything against cheaters. FPS genre itself is verging on dying due to that.

[@ChadEffinMiller1013]

1,000% agree

[@realog8410]

they should Hardware Ban the cheaters so they can never re connect to online games for ever

[@tylerbalazic4592]

It's an ongoing battle that will probably never be won and these are different teams entirely an hour spent on balance changes doesn't take away an hour of improving the anti cheat

[@lcn2snipe]

If by any chance an embark dev sees this.... I absolutely cherish the hell out of you guys and I am loving what you are doing for the gaming community as a whole. This game is definately one of my favorite games EVER period.... please dont give up on it... This has the potential to build the road to the next generation of fps games... all love from the core fan base of THE FINALS!!!

[@THiiXY]

Very sweet comment, I’ll pass on the love. Thanks for watching too!

[@JDgaming-_-69]

I do care about this game just as much as you guys do but genuinely some guys gotta calm down. They get so vexed over things that don’t matter. I have ideas but I couldn’t make any of the decisions they make

[@THiiXY]

Yeah I’d love to see these guys attempt to actually make a game and all the decisions behind it, it’s hard man but at the same time I get why sometimes players are emotional, but we aren’t talking about corporations as big as Valve, Embark are still pretty damn small

[@CanadianEh705]

What you just said was ridiculous bro. As a CONSUMER playing the game. There’s certain expectations obviously. If ONE chooses to go to school to become a plumber. It’s assumed they’ve become experienced and knowledgeable in that line of work. If you CHOSE to be a game developer, ESPECIALLY in the FPS sector, there’s 15+ years of games you can do your research on. What worked . What didn’t. And if Embark did have a vision for the game , they could’ve of made that vision clear from the get go and not have a player base, get used to a certain play style and then completely dismantle it. Most feedback in the discord and Reddit is constructive. And if the pressure is too much for developers, understandable so but all you have to do is fire them and hire the next person. Just like how it’d be at ANY other job in the REAL WORLD

[@CanadianEh705]

Embark was the one that chose to come into this space. Embark was the one that promised to compete w the big 5. Embark was the one who planted this hope in everyone & killed all the hype. Not the player base. Remember that.

[@CanadianEh705]

This video turned into a poor me for embark and it’s pathetic. They developed the game . & We as the people consume the game and it’s hard to be satisfied w the way the devs have went about business plain and simple . It’s black and white. You’re talking to someone w 15k kills. 7.8k w just light . 2.93kd. The finals had all the potential in the world . And heartbreakingly it will undoubtedly fail, purely based on fact and statistics. Not ego or emotion.

[@THiiXY]

I will say Embark never promised to compete with the big 5. One of the advantages of being close to the devs is hearing and seeing their reaction, they never thought the game would pop off as hard as it would. I was literally told these words. I think we see the game in different perspectives and I don't think I can change that for you, but I will say that your perspective, although being fair, is not what it seems. Maybe I'm wrong and you are closely tied in with Embark, but I feel that you look at it from the outside in, and see all the "extravagant" features such as the trailers etc "the greatest gameshow on earth", this is simply lore, story & marketing. I think no matter what I say we will just have to agree to disagree, but I always appreciate everyones perspective, that's very important to me, so thanks for writing that out.

[@misterfung]

Yo as a former BioWare game dev I wanna thank you for touching on the crazy amount of spazzing people do right after being butt hurt in a round or a day of bad games. It’s so hard to balance the teams vision, money flow, and gamers feedback without letting someone down. And when a studio begins to let their vision fall apart then your subject to the stormy winds of directionless flip flopping usually ending up in the whole project getting dropped. I pretty much agree with everything you touched on. I truely LOVE The Finals and hope it finds its way staying fun, but eeeking towards more competitiveness and more of the climb to fame vibe we all started with. I’ve been trying to evangelize this game as much as possible and it’s quit difficult. Maybe I’m just the right amount of patient and manic to enjoy the insane amount of fantastic chaos that takes place. Who knows! Keep you the videos and compassionate conversation!!

[@THiiXY]

Hey! First of all, thank you SO much for your work! I'm 100% on the fact that players really needed to hear this video, it's unfortunate that I'm just a small youtuber so I won't get heard that much, but I do hope that it at least echo's across this space. I'm glad you're enjoying this game, and I think me and you know that we are in it for the long run, it's just coming down to some things discussed in this video. Here's to the future! :)

[@kraberzii]

Man, i legit have real life friends that ive been trying to play with and present the finals to for as long as i myself have been interested in it. And they just keep refusing cuz "its gonna die in a month anyway and theres no point" + a screenshot of steam player count charts or something. I watch and comment on almost all of your stuff but its probably the first time ive actually had a deep monologue with myself while listening to your video. As always mad respect to both you and the devs!

[@THiiXY]

Yeah I’ve lost many battles trying to get my friends on this game, it’s been a year and most of them have moved on so it’s a huge sacrifice that I’ve taken sticking to this game. I appreciate you for always being here, it means way more than you think! Have a good weekend :)

[@julio1148]

This. Plus the constant youtube clickbait doesnt help the narrative.

[@THiiXY]

Exactly, I try to balance between pulling attention and make the video relevent but I don't clickbait, that's one of my rules.

[@1337Jogi]

But are they wrong?

[@xanderiom]

I've been playing and supporting The Finals since the 2nd Closed Beta, with almost 700 hours, and this is honestly the PERFECT Feedback video to both Players and Developers. You smashed this THiiXY ❤ A while back I posted on reddit, basically asking "why is the player-count so low". Amongst some actual heartfelt feedback, similar to some points made in this video, I still received TONS of replies saying "nerf this" and "nerf that". Embark need to realise that 90% of the player-base can't see the big picture and can't look past themselves. I'm not calling everyone stupid, there have been times where I have wanted something nerfed instead of just dealing with it, or even attempting to counter it. But for a game so new and unique, players need to stop acting like they know everything. SO MANY reddit posts and discord discussions come off more as "threats" (e.g. the game will DIE if "___" doesn't get nerfed) rather than just feedback. The game is in a sort of "limbo" state with the player-count, that these players can lean on it and command whatever changes they want or they wont play. Embark NEED to use the leverage of having a very committed chunk of the community that sees the bigger picture (myself included), and put all their resources to branching off from constant nerfs to make the "perfect" game, and instead really lean into the "Gameshow" Identity for the game. Like you said, let players choose a sponsor, instead of it being just a cover-up for weekly quests. Or even give fame points more depth, rather than just being rank points. It IS risky, but I think we would all prefer the game to fail trying to be something new rather than trying to please the never-pleased, so called "COD" side of the community. I will help share this video and I hope this blows up. You are a legend THiiXY and THANK YOU for being brave enough to fight back against the vicious side of this community 😂

[@THiiXY]

Firstly, thank YOU!! I completely agree with you, and I think that I'm grateful to be in a position where I can make voices be heard in this game, so I hope that I've represented a part of how you feel in this game, which even though I'm a small youtuber, would hopefully be echoed across the community. The cards have always been in Embarks hand, and somewhere along the line, they felt that it switched, which isn't the case. I think they've taken the wrong angle, and it started when the player count was so high, it suprised them and seeing it drop, maybe they don't care that much, but it feels as if they started panicing. Stick to their roots and why the game was made in the first place! Much love and have a good weekend!

[@teencorn9169]

Completely agree. The Gameshow vision is what's needed. Devs catering to people that have an opinion on everything, such as redditors, makes no sense. What matters is if a normal Joe can pick this game up and enjoy it. And enjoy it enough to keep coming back. If they try and it dies, then so be it. Way better than having this toxic mess rn

[@halenlazar9259]

Part of the FINALS issues isnt even on Embark, streamers have made gaming a cesspool of toxic, narcissitic, no life, want to be pros. Not all streamers but theres a lot more who push the must use the meta, must use X movement, must get X k/d per game. Its become exhusting to play multiplayer games because everyone wants to be number 1. I believe in Embark and what they want to do and are trying to do with the game, when it comes to nerfs and changes the amount and choices of them are a bit overwhelming as well as questuonable but we love the game and ride out the changes. If Embark just put nerfs and balance on hold to focus cheats and ranked MM, the overall experince would be better. After thats done focus on the balancing they want. Either way it goes Ill be playing well into the future or till they shut it down.

[@marquintabell5307]

Why would they shut down now? they're a pretty small studio still so it's going to take a while to fix some of these things.

[@halenlazar9259]

@@marquintabell5307 I don't mean it as they are shutting down the game anytime soon or at all, I just mean whatever happens with the game I'm sticking with it.

[@marquintabell5307]

@@halenlazar9259 ah ok my bad.

[@NoNo-wy4rj]

Saying I’ll play this game until it shuts down as a bit overkill. Look at Apex legends, had just about equal hype as finals, and many people complained about it, and said that it will die. Now I think there’s 18 season plus season of apex.

[@halenlazar9259]

@@NoNo-wy4rj I think people are mistaking what I'm saying here. I don't expect the game to just up and die off, I think the game will be fine. We're only two seasons in and honestly it takes a few seasons to get the kinks out and firmly plant a game and it's identity. I'm only saying I love the game and I'm going to play it for as long as it's around.

[@ChoiiXMasters]

You've said it so right, the Dev's need to go their own Way instead of being purely directed by the Community. A lot of Games before did this and it drove them into the Ground. Sure some Input by the Community is necessary to improve the Game but too much is too much. Let them cook Guys, they can do some great Things if we let them ✌️💚

[@THiiXY]

100% and I get why both sides are so loud in this scene but the way it's done is just wild to me, the devs are gamers at heart.

[@tylerbalazic4592]

So much of media development would be better if the creators didn't take the consumer opinions so seriously. Consumers aren't experts, they have bad opinions and no skill in the craft. That's why they're consuming and not creating. Let people with a passion for both and the understanding needed have the conversation. I don't know anything so I'm not involved 🤷

[@THiiXY]

1000%

[@mik0z474]

i 100% agree that not all FPS game needs to be a competitive game especially the finals. Its more of a game where you get on weekend night just having fun with your boys not to sweat in.

[@THiiXY]

Exactly, and as I said in the video, you can understand why players thought that it would be a competitive game, because of the scene. There's plenty of room for both crowds, but right now as it stands, the competitive players need to know that the game was never originally built to be competitive, so it will take time.

[@MrZombastic]

yea but with balancing around casuals this happens: - less playtime, less player count at all times - as soon as streamers etc (non casuals) stop playing the game, casuals normally also stop. - a terribly unbalanced game, balancing around a (no offense) terrible player is not great for people that might be a bit better. Imo fps is competitive by nature but i really hope they find the casual playerbase that they seek :)

[@THiiXY]

Yeah I agree, my point is that there's a difference between ranked and competitive, I think ranked is flawed in this game, but what can save it is a really nice competitive scene, with private lobbies hosting in depth customisation (spectators, modifying rules etc etc)

[@ianduffy5176]

It needs a competitive/tournament scene. It wont be complete without it and I think they really dropped the ball with not creating one.

[@Gameticksgg]

Honestly they should be focusing on fixing the cheating issue and ranked instead of nerfing everything and making the game boring Yes this will take time and it's our job as a community to trust the Dev's and wait

[@j-radbeatsofficial3392]

Game is getting fun and more funn 😂 not boring

[@sonnyankau9239]

activision can't even tackle cheaters in call of duty and they are one of the biggest studios in the world. i mean they have endless resources. embark simply doesn't have the resources to seriously tackle cheating. they shot themselves in the foot by making a competitive pvp shooter.

[@j-radbeatsofficial3392]

@@sonnyankau9239 factss

[@taawesome2949]

@@j-radbeatsofficial3392 I’m a Diamond rank semi competitive player and idk. They nerf everything. Nobody like nerf. I admit I hate nukes but literally beside nukes, and removing recon sense, I. Just wish they buff more weapon instead of nerfing them. The meta been the same ever since the game release, it’s getting stale

[@j-radbeatsofficial3392]

@@taawesome2949 look at this right here you not wrong adding to what you have said there other people who want other things nerfed and want the character theey use buffered you get it at this point everyone wants equipment buffered thats why its really kinda hard because everyone complaining

[@tristanfarmer9031]

Honestly, I think it's ok for the numbers to drop. People want to play more than one game. Most of us aren't paid to play video games, and the finals isn't exactly a quick to play game atm. Other than that, I think your right. This game is amazing, and people need to be patient and understanding. Game devs are people too. The people who work behind the scenes need more support. After all, out of sight, out of mind.

[@j-radbeatsofficial3392]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🔥

[@THiiXY]

1000%

[@1337Jogi]

It is not normal to drop that low and if they don't turn it around they will have to let devs go. Currently they are most liekly running of investment money. If the trend continues there will be sub 10k concurrent peak players very soon on PC. You cannot earn money with so few players. They have like 300 employees. That is maybe 30 mio just in salaries. If an active user spends 10$ a month which I do not know is a realistiv number you would need 250k players. With just 25k players you need 100$ a month per player I am not sure about their real expenses and the real player count but these numbers give you an idea.

[@JohnnyinCLE]

So, I think you've raised some good points. - Storyline -- I agree that there needs to be an angle, where the contestants are also "pseudo-athletes". I like your suggestion, and with enough players, the idea of having some kind of meta where folks are faction by brand and perhaps even guild. The meta behind the career would keep drawing us in. - Cheaters -- i think as this game continues, Embark and their partners will be looking at the analytics and seeing the anomalies. From there? Kaizen and correction. This game is still new. I'm going to be patient and see how they address this. - Changes // I have to admit, this is my biggest gripe right now. Just as I am getting used to adapting, the decks on the ship are re-arranged, a little too much. Great video essay. I've subbed.

[@THiiXY]

Ayyy thank you so much! Firstly welcome to THE PODIUM (name for my subs :D) but yeah I mentioned about changes because I know there's players who JUST get used to something for Embark to nerf it, I don't mind this happening, but every week? A bit too crazy.

[@Aphlaa]

This just might be the best video on the finals that ive ever seen

[@THiiXY]

Ayyeeeeee less gooo haha :D

[@riptide807]

This video perfectly describes how I feel about this game thank you for making a video like this its good to know there are other people who are just as passionate about this game as me.

[@THiiXY]

I also want to thank YOU for the kind words! I'm glad that even though I'm in a small position than other creators I can make our voice heard when times are needed, because it feels like a lot of other stuff gets us drowned out of this game... here's to better times!

[@riptide807]

@@THiiXYamen to that hopefully its all up from here!

[@jinjin9410]

What I wish for most from Embark is transparent communication on how they reach their decisions on a nerfs that feel so jolting to the community and what outcome they are hoping to achieve from doing so. Maybe it would help divide the community less cause all I see in the comment section of socials is cry harder, crutch less, skill issue, f the devs, type of response to any nerf rather than valid discussions. Incoming nerfs seem to only divide the community and place hate on the devs. There has to be another way

[@THiiXY]

Exactly, we are too small of a community to be doing all these responses, not that it SHOULD exist in larger games, but THE FINALS in in growth phase, no one in the community wants to stick around or give feedback if they get cooked or insulted haha. Exactly as I said in the video - Embark need to explain WHY they want to make these changes, and I think they haven't because the answer is literally "because X people asked for it" no, that's not how you build a game.

[@jinjin9410]

@@THiiXY if its ever found out the devs are legit allowing themselves to be bullied by casuals then they cooked themselves 😂

[@vitorhugodelsantoro1741]

The script, the editing, the subjects and oratory. All these items getting better every video. Congrats for the effort, mate! Really good job.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! Yeah I decided that if I'm going to be talking about a serious topic then I need to really make it fit along with everything else and make it a really good watch for you guys :)

[@peopleareawesome8141]

i couldn't have said it better myself, thanks. i hope this vid sparks something. you brought up so many important topics and perspectives.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! Yeah I really wanted to break down all the issues but in a way where I'm covering all parties perspective

[@R18jura]

Wise words, thank you. I wish the best for the devs to get through this time and the players to build up a welcoming community

[@THiiXY]

Exactly, in the closed beta's, I actually remember the community being like "yeah guys let's stand together" but since the blast in player growth, it's kind of shifted over, I think it started in the RPG vs Stun Gun discussion in the Open beta honestly.

[@lxrp_]

Great videos, great points too, the sponsorship challenges/battles thing would be awesome!

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! Yeah exactly it’s a cool concept

[@ShawkR6]

I'm very late to this video, but this is exactly my thoughts on the current state of The Finals. Praying this game takes off soon

[@THiiXY]

Woaaaah thank you Shawk! It's a strange situation for sure, we have a game that "overall" is literal gold, and faces some certain issues, like all other FPS titles, but it still deserves more... so let's see how it develops, I hope Season 3 shows some players what they are missing out on!

[@RzExfeL]

Man you've got me emotional. I hope this game lives to become a big esthabilished video game in the future. I. Want. This. Game. To. Succeed.

[@THiiXY]

Yeah I had to cut off the video for a bit because I've just been reflecting on this journey so far, and everyone around me, it kind of feels like a College or something because I recognise people around me and you guys hanging out with me. I'd be torn if it would to go, but that's a long way from being in question!

[@AitoMolo]

great video. Hopefully everyone watches it til the end since those words are what everyone needs to hear and give some thoughts. Thank you for covering our favorite game in such a way... Hell I may even start KZbin with the finals content just as my grain of salt to keep the game alive 😫

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! And if you do I wish you the best, just keep making what you enjoy and don’t focus on the views etc early on, you’ll learn over time how to improve :)

[@THEANATOLIEN]

12:52, thank you, I have been feeling this way for a good amount of time now, and was shocked to see the constant complaints about a relatively new game. I have wondered times and times again if people even seemed to understand what was happening behind the scene and how the constant changes they were asking for could impact it. But no one seemed to care, it was all about what they felt like should be changed to make their personal experience better, at the cost of everything else around it.

[@THiiXY]

Exactly, and I like what you say here "the cost of everything else around it" the thing is when you have a game like this, where most things are connected, it's almost like a multi-scale, if one end tips one way, the other side rises that players don't see or think about. I bet the devs know this, but are pushed backs to the wall.

[@bandit690]

I've been saying this on reddit since day 1

[@slay-many-foes1160]

Great video I've been getting back into the Finals recently is still fun hard to play if you have no friends on the game though as teamwork is key, I truly hope this game gets more recognition yeah is pretty tough but stick with it and you find is really enjoyable.

[@THiiXY]

100% and I hope community efforts will replace a lot of these holes, I play solo mostly in this game too so I know what you mean. Thanks for watching!

[@NEENOLAFLAIR]

This video is so good well worded and thoughtful I appreciate you not just bagging on the game in its current state instead explaining why it’s in this space in a positive way

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! Yeah I think that it's cool to have a voice for some of the players thinking this stuff, so it's comforting knowing I have people behind me to make these videos. Even though I'm a small youtuber and larger ones can just copy this video for an "easy win" I don't care that much, because I want these words to echo around. :)

[@obamahimself2885]

The finals is the Constantinople of modern day FPS. (niche history reference) It’s one of the last shooters to be unique and have its own style. The devs actually love the game, and there isn’t much emphasis on buying or purchasing items. It’s the last “city” protecting the FPS genre and it’s currently under siege. If it falls, the defenses of Europe are gone and we will enter a dark age of gaming. Another thing, it isn’t over for the game. Even though the player count is dropping doesn’t mean it can make a comeback. Fortnite wasn’t the biggest game in the world after three months. This is just the most dangerous part of making a game as you’re on a VERY thin line. If you mess up, your game is completely dead. I think If embark makes more beginner friendly modes and markets more, the game can gain players over the summer. To quote the developer of Palworld: “There are so many amazing games out there to play; you don’t need to feel guilty about hopping from game to game. If you are still playing Palworld, we love you. If you’re no longer playing Palworld, we still love you, and we hope you’ll come back for round 2 when you’re ready.”

[@THiiXY]

I actually really like that quote at the end honestly so respect to the Palworld devs for saying that. I think I agree with you, this game isn't meant to be played 24/7 and I think I'd lose my sanity if I was to play it 24/7 LOL. Since Season 2 I've played the game less and less, but I still come back now and then to enjoy a casual game or two. I do think I'm putting off playing ranked right now but I'll grind for it near the end of the season.

[@sc1the]

I’ve sunk over 100 hours in this game since its launch (which isn’t a lot for some, but it’s a lot for me), and I absolutely LOVE the points you bring up in this video. In particular, the vision for the fps genre as a whole, and the dangers for it if this game fails. Embark is a company of gamers, making an amazing creation for other gamers, not for customers like a lot of these bigger companies are doing. It’s a passion project, and I’d love to see a larger focus go towards the PASSION in the game rather than trying to appease everyone with balances and patches. It’s in the perfect stage to experiment! Try new things, new weird LTMs, expand the lore, anything! My main point is that I believe the focus right now should be to gain a higher player count, not try to appeal to small player base that’s whining at whatever is the new thing. Great video Thixx ❤

[@THiiXY]

Yeah exactly and it’s put the game in a really weird spot, but I agree, they are fundamentally doing the right stuff, making community events, game modes etc but in that “downtime” they make it hard for themselves each week adjusting everything, I don’t mind that but we need to hear the “why” because if the “why” isn’t strong enough, Embark weren’t confident in making that choice.

[@connorwilford2494]

Wow u make great points. I have played this game for a long time and love it so much. I came to the comments to say, adapting to a games changes is competitive in itself. Great takes.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much!!

[@Wolfx_exe]

Love the words and hours dedicated on this video

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much!

[@IndoCroatPerson]

Great points made on this video, and I'm glad you said your points. Having played this game since closed beta 2. I'm happy that it is even going as far it is now, and I hope this game can truly keep going. I can purely understand the frustration with balance changes and cheaters. I had quite a few matches spoiled by cheaters and even had a friend quit playing because of the cheating problem frustrated him to that point. But I'm not personally giving up on the game, I still log in to play my matches, mess around, and just have fun, even when solo. Because at the end of the day, The Finals is a damn fun game. I hope the dev team can find their groove and get some momentum back. I know this will take time. Games like this grow from a dedicated fan base over time. Hopefully we as a community can rally together in some way and support the devs properly, instead of tearing them down. I'd hate to see this game go away, it's a diamond in the rough. But right now, it's really hitting a rough patch.

[@THiiXY]

100% and I think this is one of those “be worse before it gets better” situations but obviously at the end of the day, if this is a product that isn’t popular enough to keep alive then the worst would have to happen. I think that we are a few updates away from the game changing direction. Players also grew this month (active players) so that’s a sign

[@Crane_001]

Damn. Great video brotha. Changed my perspective.

[@THiiXY]

Ayee well thank you so much! I hope that we can start to see a little difference around here

[@krisxpytot]

i absolutely love the way you did this video very well spoke and i love this game i cant get enough of it

[@THiiXY]

Thank you SO much! Yeah I decided that this is a big topic and needed some big effort put into it, so the reward hearing it from everyone is great :D

[@purple1703]

Dear The Finals devs, if you are reading this, I wish you all the best and a happy life. You guys are really the best devs I've ever faced in any game I've ever played. You guys are my actual heroes, I just wish you guys are happy. The Finals will survive no question, this is game is too amazing to die !

[@THiiXY]

Very sweet comment, I’ll pass on the love haha

[@felixm2599]

The last minutes thoughts ... beautiful, love it. Thanks for this video. I hope The Finals grows and not die, because is an awesome game.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you for watching! Exactly if you take this as a fun game, it’s awesome.

[@THEFINALSSKINSHOWCASE]

The sponsoring Idea you talked about sounded soooo good and fun. holy sh**

[@THiiXY]

I hope this is added in like Season 3 or something haha

[@vendetta701]

Great video. I think you made a lot of great points. Your assessment of balance I think was spot on. I think we need more viable options and also need to acknowledge that some weapons are solely there for being a meme (like the dagger). Since not everything can or is meant to be meta. I loved your idea on sponser tracks where people could side/choose between brands and get free rewards which would build a community and add lore. I also really appreciated your comparison of the finals to more established games with die hard fan bases. The finals is growing slowly and despite the valid criticism of “we don’t all have a beefy pc). the finals is a great game and is constantly trying to fix and add new and interesting ways for players to play the game. I love the finals and I really want the game to succeed

[@THiiXY]

100% I think that players really just took everything as "it's all supposed to be balanced" when there's literally ideas and strats that are made in this game with the pure purpose of it being for fun, not for competitive, but we can't blame players for it being made that way because the entire game is sold on "winning and reaching the finals" from a LORE perspective, but people think it's from a GAME perspective

[@byt3m575]

First of all, thanks a lot for this video, I am literally crying after watching it. I really want The Finals to succeed and the FPS genre in general to get better, right now it is not in a good state. I am one of those players that cares a lot about KDA and I really get mad when I die, start blaming the game, blaming myself or my teammates. I need to change my perspective and see the things just as you explained in this video.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you, and yeah it’s pretty emotional across the board, I understand your frustrations that you may have, but really I just think that the devs made this for a fun experience, and to scratch that itch for competitive players. Yeah sure in the future we can talk about esports and I want it, but short term, this is a gift.

[@haimerejk7855]

Thank you for making this video, not many people are willing to speak up about the community issues like you did and honestly it's so true. no one seems to realize that the devs aren't robots that can cater to millions of players. I love this game from the bottom of my heart I have nearly 900 hours at this point and it makes me so sad to see the community arguing over basic things, I really hope the devs don't give up and I really hope that this game begins to turn in the right direction.

[@THiiXY]

Ayy much love, I hope that I represented your thoughts well in the video, and exactly that, I feel that we just need a small reset, it's not really anyones fault - as I said in the video I understand why both sides view the game in a certain way

[@haimerejk7855]

@@THiiXY sorry for the late reply i didnt see this until now,, you basically did capture my thoughts into a single video and it really resonates with me, also yeah youre totally right. We do need some sort of reset and with this new coming gamemode i think this could be it, though Im sure many people will have divided opinions on it as many people dont like one life modes. Heres to hoping though!

[@AmazingSeek]

Great Video! I love the ideas and hope they eventually make it in the game. I do want them to slow down on the balance changes. Focus on the QOL stuff they've implemented like not being able to blow yourself up when you shoot a teammate with a rocket.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! Let's see what the future of this game holds...

[@pixelplays8927]

This has completely shifted my perspective around. Thank you!

[@THiiXY]

Thank YOU for watching!!

[@pixelplays8927]

@@THiiXY I really appreciate it

[@ianburgin4305]

Amazing video man. I love this game so much and want to see it grow more than anything. Keep doin what you’re doing.

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much!!

[@numemory5978]

Exactly, bro I respect your opinions so much. I really love this game, never really played COD when I was younger and never really got into a fps game, but when the finals came out, I poured HOURS. I have never loved an fps so much like the finals, and its free!? I feel like some players just forget the main thing, TO HAVE FUN

[@THiiXY]

1000% there’s this weird shift for some players lately that think casual games determine if they’re going to be a pro player or not, it’s like, well first of all this game is nowhere near that, I hope private lobbies can determine that outcome for players who crave it, because everyone has different ways of having fun

[@vladt8116]

Very nice video man , beautifully said. Really hope this game makes it… it makes me happy honestly even with all the bulls*** . I hope everything works out for Embark they deserve their flowers…

[@THiiXY]

I appreciate the kind words man, I hope so to, this is probably the last attempt for me in the FPS genre, I don't really like the other ones compared to this game honestly.

[@hiddep]

best video in a long while 100% agree on everything. be rational and well be the best community ever

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much!!

[@christmvz]

your fame idea w/ the sponsorships & stuff is so good

[@THiiXY]

Thank you! Honestly even though it was a missed opportunity, I think that it will be something cool to add in the future

[@DanielMorejon-vp7qk]

would have been so dope. A career mode would have been sick. Maybe a sponsor vs sponsor mode where you only play with people on your team that took your route

[@ROBBOBBYJUNIOR]

The recommendations with the sponsors are genius I definitely would play more often

[@THiiXY]

Thanks! Yeah just a fun but light-hearted battle between sponsors, feature the top contributers, maybe the top players that use XYZ like dagger or something so it's not all meta weapons, run it like an actual damn gameshow honestly, feature highlights etc, show the score live in game on the billboards, have the sponsors be a gamemode (stealing flags etc) sooo much you can do with this idea!

[@ROBBOBBYJUNIOR]

@@THiiXY YESSS!!bro u should apply for a job there your youtube will have information sooner and u would definitely be of great help,bringing these ideas to light

[@vitorhugodelsantoro1741]

Saw a video these days about crunch culture in gaming industry. I don't about Embark, but I know that, as you said, the devs care a lot about the game and every comments too. So we must understand their side and respect their pace. It's a creative work after all.

[@THiiXY]

100% and Embark are not a multi-billion dollar corporation, they are a group of gamers making games for gamers.

[@ATHEIST_69]

Your authenticity made me to subscribe you ❤

[@THiiXY]

Ayy, well thank you so much honestly, that's what I want to provide to anyone that watches my channel from day one, so welcome to THE PODIUM! (name for my subs)

[@TheJudysFinalsHub]

I can't thank you enough for making this video !!! 😭 Lately, I have seen so many players complaining about the game, even tho it's obvious the devs are doing all they can to make it the best experience we can possibly have at this time and age in a fps game.. I honestly hope this game won't die, because it's the first game that gave me, not only the motivation making videos about it, but also the joy of playing a fps as a whole ! 😟 This game has such a vibe, such an identity, that so many other game couldn't even dream to have..! So ye, thank you so much for taking the time to make this video from the bottom of my heart. ☺ And to the devs if you ever read this comment: Don't give up ! You are doing so great ! You guys are the very best and I wish you all the success you can possibly have. Much love to all of you ! 🥰

[@THiiXY]

Thank you very much for the kind words and taking the time to comment :) I hope that I represented your thoughts well enough, even though I’m a little KZbinr in this space, that it hopefully made some small change to lay off the devs and let them do what they do best

[@Treetopki]

They HAVE to give consoles they own leaderboards & disable pc from crossplay, idc id rather have a good stable game than a popular game being taken over by hackers like call of duty, i ran into 5 smurf accounts in tournament that was no ranks playing with they friends that was diamonds this morning, it is hell to try to play the finals right now.. it might be too late for PC but they can still make things right for consoles.

[@evanderholyfeels]

Not gonna happen.

[@JakeEatNow]

You’re never going to get away from Smurf accounts but I feel you on the cheating. I don’t like playing against console players myself as a pc player.

[@jblaze600]

I feel the same way as a console player honestly. Not knocking pc players but let’s be real what’s happening n

[@aleksandrsbukrejevs6969]

Im not very good player, im rarely plyaing fps but this game really made my mind blowing, by phisycs, by how with love it was done... emotions which i get. Also i usually dont pay for games unless i have to, but on here im happy to buy battle pass every time just to support those guys who made this piece of art. Really hope it will become esports level as i do enjoy just watching it. Thank you guys, great job!

[@THiiXY]

Exactly, and sometimes people complain about the prices of these things, but forget that this is a free-to-play game haha, cosmetics and battlepasses are here to support the devs!

[@atadenizz9164]

I liked the video a lot. Nobody cares devs and everybody just complaining about everything. Devs trying to listen everyone but it's so hard to make ppl happy. I shared ur video link on reddit hope more ppl gonna see this. Thanks

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much! I appreicate you for sharing the video and hope you have a good weekend :)

[@Codename067]

If they keep nerfing shit to the ground instead of buffing what's weak (if everything is OP, nothing is OP! balance things by making non OP things better) the game will survive. All these nerfs are wild man. It's nonstop. All these fkin casuals bitchin about every single thing is driving this game into the ground. Sad cause its easily my fav fps.

[@Codename067]

the more they nerf things, the closer the gap gets between good players and average players (good for player base count, bad for good/op players). all the nerfs cater to the shit players, and that's a fact cause only shit players complain about stuff all the time. good players play with what they have and make it work.

[@sSteppingStones]

I think focusing on fun and only patching something when there is something really wrong with it is the way to go

[@THiiXY]

100% the game is in such a weird place

[@onikrux]

you nailed all of these points so accurately..

[@THiiXY]

Thank you!!

[@luisperez8325]

Tbf, when you mention how they don't ask you to buy a battle pass or mtxs, they do give you a pop up of the battle pass, but yeah it's just once. Good vid btw

[@chowlol]

Players need to stop complaining and start adapt and overcome.

[@bandit690]

Communities kill games. What you said is what ive been trying to get across on the reddit sub, people want this game to cater to THEM and only them...and its killing it.

[@THiiXY]

Yeah exactly, I hope that even though I’m a small KZbinr, that I represented your thoughts good enough because we need to have this stuff heard

[@PingasRemixer]

Recently stopped playing as I started to notice that nearly half the games I was in at least one person seemed to be rather suspect. People using the scar with what appears to be zero recoil is the main thing I’ve been seeing. Spectated 10 separate teammates that were quite blatantly using aimbots. Initially I thought that it was his controller aim players but after watching actual controller footage it’s clear that there are a significant number of people just us in either aimbots or anti recoil scripts.

[@bshawts]

Phenomenal take ThiiXY, The game community reaps what it sows! Embark has done an amazing job and I'm stoked for the future they have planned!

[@THiiXY]

Thank you! Yeah I wanted to make sure I captured both perspectives rather than just taking aim at once specific area or community, everyone is justified with their opinions and really everyone is needed.

[@j-radbeatsofficial3392]

The finals is not for everyone let them cook the game its already fun very fun ,the Nerfs are necessary to balance the game out and are they working out more things yess they are, soo has for me i don't care who loves or hates or thinks it boring i am loving it 🔥❤️

[@THiiXY]

100% I just wish we understood this from the beginning

[@hotsause911]

For me, the reason why my name in game is HYX Hotsauce is because that used to be my population 1 user name. The HYX part is some clan tag i never really found out what it stood for, but either way i was in competitive and played almost for every day with players like my self who loved the game. The game at that time had possibly the biggest competitive scene in vr at the time, yet i could still que and find older more relaxed players playing the game even with all the sweats running around. I truly do think this is due to the way they ranked the weapons by skill, to give a better image think of two lines on a graph and how when the skill got up on a gun, so did its effectiveness, but it wasn't completely out of proportion where only the skilled guns could be used. for example, the cx4 is a slow firing rifle in the game that could be used one handed (great for peaking walls by holding onto the edge with the other hand) but the ak was a high damaging high recoil rifle, but that didn't stop some very competitive players from learning the recoil and using it one handed. that's only one of the guns in the game but you get the picture of how other guns helped different player bases still win. now to mind you, before the game was going for around 20 bucks, but eventually the developers made the game free. All of a sudden the game changed; I couldn't even que into a single game without having a kid on my team, which i wouldn't really care if it wasn't for me having to play with that kid while others played in the squads that they won competitive leagues with. There is no problem with new players, but when you release so many at such a short amount of time, the game will likely either loose all those new players, or the game entirely will change to fit those casual players needs, kicking out all the skill and complexities of the competitive scene. To give you perspective on what some of these changers were, almost all automatic weapons now had double their original ttk (allowing new players to insta kill pros at close range before even their game can react, and less skill tracking shots), they turned one of the most skilled guns in the game, the DT 11, into what is basically a grub shotgun from rust (you used to have to learn how to do this complicated reload to chain shots together to fire many quickly, but the devs ttk buffed it to the point where it did 104 dmg per shot, when you only have 200 heath, meaning that you could 2 shot someone without even needing to reload). And the worst kicker is that the game became unplayable due to the amount of lag from servers being stretched due to the massive player influx. In the end you had a game with Fortnite kids, A dead competitive scene, and even the older casual players i talked about earlier leaving because they couldn't deal with how annoying the new Fortnite kids where....but the game isn't dead, because it's free and the biggest fps in vr it can always find new kids to play, the finals on the other hand is competing with some of the biggest shooters right now, all while trying to pertain to a casual and competitive audience i had to relate the finals to population one, basically they're in the opposite situation where the game starts out as free, which i think is one of the main problems with the game right now. As soon as a game becomes free you get the most brain dead, no life, absolute degens in the game, which is why i think that the game should of at least should of started at a price of 30 bucks. Now though its too late, meaning that it only has two options: be casual and just find a way to replace your player base once in a while (maybe through seasons), or become competitive and build a lasting community of people who love the game equally similar to csgo. both work, although only for a time being. to put into perspective think about how games like csgo, call of duty, or Fortnite built there competitive scene, and now think of how in the world you would be able to do that by replacing your player base every time they got board of it (which would be esspecially hard for a game like the fianls to do with its little advertising and really overall size compared to other large fps). that is the problem with casual games; you might be able last a while, but you will never game the same feeling of community as in other games. Sadly though, the finals is still loosing its player base due to this amount of indecision, and will eventually die out if it never chooses these options. either way it goes, like thiixy said, the game simply needs a strong community to keep it alive, and by constantly saying negative things about the developers because the game isn't going your way doesn't help out, which is why I'm trying to stay away from any specific changes the devs have made that they don't like. I simply just want to point out this need for the finals to cater to a one main community for it to build up the game except for trying to fit all of the player bases which is causing all this stress. :)

[@THiiXY]

Woaaaah this was a big wall of text but I read it and wanted to thank you for sharing your experience! You know I've always been interested in the VR scene and I think after some time it could even take over to be the next big thing, but either way yeah that makes sense, I think it's a mixture of balance for when a game is established, but when a game is in the growth phase, you really need to find what it is that attracted people into playing the game in the first place. Competitive scenes come from the result of a solid game, and THE FINALS isn't solid enough right now to support it, it needs some time. Ranked is there to scratch that itch for people (but we all know what that's like right now at the moment). Critisism is needed, Embark even ask for it, but the way it's done is just not it, and puts the game backwards.

[@nerosonic]

I will keep playing this game until there's no players left 😢

[@THiiXY]

Trueee haha, and honestly I think I'd probably take the game's files and make my own server if it ever came down to that lol

[@bandit690]

...ill be there too. Would truly be....The Finals then.

[@taekwonzy]

I have faith that in due time, this game is gonna have its Boom. I’m buying bundles here and there. Always liking videos on the Game and always being a presence it my friend group with the game. I’m hopeful! Truthfully, this “The game is dying talk” doesn’t shake me but they is changes that are most likely going to be needed in the long run. This power shift was a great Sign of what else The Finals can be… ❤️

[@THiiXY]

Honestly, I feel like this is the era where we can say "we were here" and people are gonna be kinda mad they missed out on the battlepasses, cosmetics etc that we deserve for going through this time and playing the game

[@taekwonzy]

@@THiiXY that’s a really good way to look at it! We were here. This is essentially like the founders stage still lmao. But even Fortnite was slept on in its inception. 🫨

[@PewPewSkeelz]

Kudos for the video bro! I have been thinking to make a vid on similar topics surrounding The Finals for a while, but now I see I don't have to. Yours fits the situation pretty well. Sadly, I don't think 'dealing with the cheaters' is on the menu. At all. For more than 20 years cheating has been a pandemic in the FPS gaming world, ever since the original Counter-Strike... And much like a real life virus, they just adapt to the situations. All new better and smarter anti-cheats end up being outmaneuvered. And it's obvious that people will just register a new account for a free game, once banned in the first, but what's grinding my gears and leaving me oddly amazed at the same time is that people cheat in $50 games too. I think people who cheat in video games are the same type of people who are capable of m*rder, torture and other kinds of villainy in real life, just one level behind. Psychopaths.

[@THiiXY]

Yeah and there’s conspiracies that the developers of those $50 games make so much money from cheaters that they limit when to ban them so they can rinse more profit into the company etc, if that’s remotely true that’s just insane but what a wild time we live in.

[@PewPewSkeelz]

@@THiiXY This is somewhat true for WoW, where they ban gold bots in waves, after having "farmed" their subscriptions for a few months. The final result? Bots were banned, aka justice - but also money were made. And the bots turned profit, so they will be back until the next "ban wave". It's sad, but please remember we live in a time where "great" gaming studios are no longer headed by nerds in their basements, but rather marketing and administrative gurus in suits, who have very likely never touched a video game in their life.

[@fataldragon69]

@THiXY.....Well said.....I hope you've sent this video over to the Embark Devs because you've got some cool ideas here and I like your ideas about the Sponsor Battles and our Fame etc.....I think those were cool and would be a great addition that would fit-in really well to this game show world that they've built. !! Keep Up the Great Work !!

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Honestly I think it's a missed mark but that doesn't mean they can't add this in the future! :)

[@MrGreen-qs9zf]

You’re a hero keep this UP! How do I encourage Embark?

[@THiiXY]

Just a player like you trying to get my voice heard for all of us :) If you can share the video somewhere that would be great, the more people see it the better :)

[@SPEARHEADPR]

As always, objective and honest perspective on the game. Thanks THiiX ♥

[@THiiXY]

Thank you as always SPEAR, we can’t wait for your next video! :D

[@SanguineNightsTV]

You're 100% right, if this game dies the FPS genre is fooked. And the worst part is, the ideas that you were so adament against having becoming the lucrative standard, are something casuals are pushing companies for without knowing it. However, I must say, the FPS genre has been on a steep decline for a long time. The fall of FPS in my eyes really comes from gamers. Gamers love the idea of being good at an FPS but the sad reality for the majority is, they aren't. And when you pair this with the insecure nature of people, you get people flocking to the easiest games on the market that give people that dopamine rush of feeling good. Harder games are perceived as "not as fun" because easy = fun for the casual audience. Hard = sweaty and not fun. The Finals is a traditional FPS, almost from the era before the battle royal takeover. Traditional shooters have always been harder compared to the commercial casual shooters of nowadays and many of the old shooter genres have truly died out, with the exception of the tac-shooter genre. The movement shooter genre has died and The Finals can be identified as partially a movement shooter with extreme amounts of verticality in the light/medium class. Every movement FPS has died, with the exception of Apex since roller dominance is such a thing that it makes MnK movement inconsequential at the high level. It's no coincidence that this game is on decline and will likely suffer the same fate as all movement shooters before it have. Especially since this game doesn't have crazy Apex level aim assist (kinda like how much it had before the AA nerf, though the AA in this game at the time was stronger than Apex and CoD's aim assist). I've said it since the beta, even if the meta was PERFECT, I don’t think this game will survive based on skill ceiling alone. And I'm in love with this game, through and through.

[@dakotastirneman3730]

I will be joining your discord now. Super glad I found this video and always looking for positive vibes for casual and ranked. Also subbing 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@THiiXY]

Ayy well thank you very much I appreciate you watching and welcome to THE PODIUM! (Name of my subs) :)

[@grayzer8777]

Out of all FPS games I've ever played (CSGO-2, Apex, Val, etc), I've never been SO invested into a game until I tried The Finals. I agree with almost all the points you made in the video and feel like people are really complaining too much about things that shouldn't really matter just because on "x" other game they might have come from is not like this now its somehow a problem with Embark for having a different vision and not really giving them a chance to really innovate on what the DEVS want to see. I also generally feel like many of the players that play this game just don't know how to "properly" play the Finals and know how the game works whether that be making decisions for a cashout to win/lose it or having a certain strategy to win a fight, etc which is something that you only gain through playing the game & time, there's only so much that can be taught through the tutorial which I think is causing a decline in the playerbase as they might be looking for something more straightforward.

[@THiiXY]

Trueee, I actually really agree with the point that you said “most players don’t know how to properly play the game” I think people are taking this game with a COD mentality. I was watching shroud actually play this game and in ranked he was playing solo and like it was a TDM. You’re gonna get punished like that lol

[@dabbingrobloxchar.7022]

Tysm for spreading awareness

[@THiiXY]

You’re welcome, I hope that I represented some of your thoughts in a good manner, even though I’m still a small KZbinr I do hope that it’s at least changed some opinions

[@NETIERRAS]

thank you for making this vid

[@THiiXY]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@MDBF2G]

This pretty much sums up what I was thinking...This game is a gift that (not all of the) players are not ready to receive. The problem is not the game, the problem is (not all of) the people playing it.

[@THiiXY]

Exactly right, I think if in a perfect world everyone took this game as a non-serious casual game at least in public lobbies, then there would be a way better experience and appreciation for this game

[@MDBF2G]

@@THiiXY Even some youtube creators have been and are surfing on the destructive criticism wave with "game is dead" "all that is wrong with" "they need to fix it" clickbait titles to get more views. When the game first came out, some of them, fearing that the game would take over the FPS genre, started spitting on it so they wouldn't have to move to The Finals to keep their public, trying to convince people that it was trash.

[@THiiXY]

Yeah and you know what’s funny, a lot of them make those videos and STILL make content on THE FINALS, makes me hate being a KZbinr as this is how we are shown as - just being leeches. My goal has always been to show this game to as many people as possible, at the same time build a community competitive scene that’s not serious, but overall a good time (like FPS gaming is supposed to be - lighthearted competitive) this game is perfect for that. Everyone on YT is so focused on their views, all those “INSANE BROKEN X WEAPON BUILD” videos are starting to dip in views and I’m all for it, because it’s just terrible content designed to bait people into watching.

[@MDBF2G]

@@THiiXY Exactly. They're just building up drama for nothing but views and killing a game everybody could have simply enjoyed.

[@mrluckywaffles9258]

I wanna play a game with you so bad. I love your opinions

[@THiiXY]

Thank you! I was playing games on stream today so hopefully you can catch me next time!!

[@T3traFN_YT]

Thanks for making this video Thiix, it's time for people to stop bombarding embark with complaints

[@THiiXY]

100% and I appreciate you watching!

[@T3traFN_YT]

@@THiiXY The Finals literally NEEDS videos like this...I feel like rn, most of the feedback that Embark receives from players is given by the hyper sweaty, competitive-focused players, considering the pace at which all these buffs and nerfs are taking place. Most of the casual players just play the game occasionally and don't really give too much feedback, so there's a whole other unheard side to what players want from the game. Listening to players is really good, but at this stage, Embark should start taking things into their own hands and listen a little less to what the community thinks about the weapons and stuff lol

[@THiiXY]

Yeah I actually said once in a conversation with the devs that the players actually playing the game aren’t talking because they’re having fun enjoying it for what it is, I get why competitive players are vocal (as I said in the video - the game sells itself as competitive) but surely those competitive players would realise that we are no where near a competitive scene or esports. We can be and I’m a competitive player myself, but once I started playing this game for fun and not hyper focused on building esports, I learned that this game has some time before we get there

[@alohame5582]

Wait, I just realised that I forgot to subscribe. As GravityDrop once said: " The finals is doing great, but doing great isn't enough for it to survive" I would be cool, if we had more random objects on sys horizon. Those could be random glitch cubed, or other glitch textures. Would be kinda cool, and make reshaper useful there

[@justxelz]

But what about them taking stuff out of the battle pass to sell in the store? The Ray gun was included in the trailer for season one but they sold it separate from the battle pass in the next season, and then they also released three weapon skins that look like this max level battle pass skin for season 2, and also the re-colors.

[@tr4nnel752]

I never evolved from being a very simple Call of Duty 2 player, I can only aim. This is the first game that I really like that requires somewhat of a brain. I don't even understand why this game is not a bigger hit, to me it feels very polished and it's a very good experience. Regarding the cheaters, I feel this problem is blown out of proportion? A friend of mine is diamond and I hear him never complain about it. Also, I don't really understand the point you were trying to get across.

[@superman1875]

Thanks for this video, I think it’s super important. Agree with most of everything. Devs do want to make the game how they envisioned it but it always seems to get broken by players and it’s not even intentional and they also want to make us happy, hard battle to fight. I do hope this game grows and becomes what both the devs and players want. I think we’re already at the subscription thing in games though, I don’t necessarily mind it as long as it’s affordable and provides a ton of value. Wouldn’t even mind if Embark did it if they needed to but it’s a slippery slope for gaming in general.

[@THiiXY]

Yeah, the subscription thing I mentioned was just comparing to what would happen if this game fails, I think this is the last "gamer" game if that makes sense, where obviously I know profits are a huge chunk back, I 100% agree with that, but there's a difference between fair business (paying extra for DLC, costmetics etc) VS greedy business (paying to let's say play team-deathmatch or a certain gamemode).

[@superman1875]

@@THiiXY I get what you mean, completely agree.

[@Jonathanyau666]

As a loyal player of the finals, I fully agree with your point of view, and I also hope that everyone can have less complaints and more support so that this game can continue to operate❤

[@THiiXY]

1000% hope you’re enjoying the new game mode too!

[@hairbear243]

Love this game players will come.

[@vaibhavthapliyal5234]

Honestly, today was my last straw. After two times not being able to shoot or not being able to heal using medium, a hacker in the next ranked match. The block and report system is buggy as I've been matched with the same hacker twice. It has become unplayable for me right now, won't play until better enforcement of anti cheat or AT LEAST block player system

[@THiiXY]

Sorry to hear that man, honestly it hurts seeing players go due to poor experience... Block doesn't actually "block" in the way you think, block means you can't hear them on comms or be added by them. You can still match with that player.

[@evanderholyfeels]

100 hours in finals, havent ran into a cheater yet.

[@MrZombastic]

@@evanderholyfeelscheaters only happen plat/dia. Also depends on the time you play. Ive grinded to diamond and when i played when asia countries had their „gametime“ There was ON AVERAGE 1-2 cheaters in a KNOCKOUT ROUND not a whole match. Lot of the times it were the same cheaters as well since not a lot of players play at that time. On other times it was better tho but always atleast a cheater in a whole game. We are talking full on aimbotters, shooting through shield etc, not some hidden cheaters.

[@evanderholyfeels]

@@MrZombastic very sad.

[@bobbieluij]

​@@MrZombastic yeah diamond rank here, I encounter aimbotters ever 50% of every ranked match

[@chewhongyao9580]

Hi, I watched your videos on Chinese social media Bilibili and came here to subscribe and Like for what an awesome videos you made.

[@THiiXY]

Ayyy thank you!! Much love to the Chinese community that’s really cool you saw my videos there! ❤️

[@onepunchdoggo]

Maybe separate rules and gadgets for ranked vs pubs might solve the problem a lot of fps game are having. Pubs has gadgets, gear, abilities, and gamemodes aimed at having fun and ranked has gear, abilities etc catered towards competitive play. Also Embark for god sakes please balance your weapon ttk across the board so I can actually use the new guns and not get sh!t on by a no-life fcar player, pleesss.

[@THiiXY]

100% I think COD had that for a while where they split things and gadgets out of competitive, I remember that in Black Ops 2 at least but hadn't played much online COD since

[@CubesAndPortals]

Embark needs staff on hand to join live matches & stop cheaters DURING the match. Letting them stay connected long enough to ruin *even a single match* is unacceptable next to Valorant stopping the match, voiding the results, and proclaiming the cheater has been permabanned for the whole lobby to celebrate. No amount of anticheat advancement will convince the cheat devs to stop working around it, they LIVE for the ever-more-complex tech puzzle it presents. So stop worrying about tripping up the cheat devs and focus on the problem: the players who are cheating. Establish a reputation for handing out harsh bans at the speed of lightning and the cheat devs lose their customers. No customers no money no dev time. Off to be a thorn in someone else's side.

[@andychrist2922]

No complaints would love more maps, guns, skins, devices, a whole new class etc. Embark should really sell some merchandise too

[@THiiXY]

1000% give me a Nama Tama plushy

[@bakwechokoe4054]

i bought a battle pass because I liked the game and wanted to support the devs. Supporting the devs all the way

[@THiiXY]

Exactly!! Support the damn devs! :D Thanks for watching

[@Ribstar]

Something funny

[@payske4827]

Are you really good at cooking ribs?

[@Ribstar]

​@@payske4827 food no but games yes

[@abrilstorm]

17:49 i honestly am motivated to buy the battle pass and skins because i love this game and want to see it succeed and i love the developers and what they stand for

[@sadlymyself]

100% agree with your statement where you talk about how social media makes people feel the need to be just as good as the pro plays they watch. after working an 8-10 hour shift, i’d like to hop on my PC and have a relaxing gaming sesh. The Finals is not a good choice for that lol. what’s left of the player base is so sweaty for what seems like no reason at all. maybe i’m just getting old and my brain is slowing down, idk… what i do know is that the finals is great for excitement but not so great for casual play. i’ve tried getting some of my buddies into the game but almost all of them felt that it was way too chaotic.

[@THiiXY]

Yeah I feel you on that one, I definitely noticed that as I’ve gotten older, the casual players have gotten better and that’s likely to do with that kind of Fortnite era setting it off (everyone aspiring to training and be like Ninja/Tfue etc) mixed in with 2020 giving people loads of time to hone in skills and we just have a scene where there’s people that want to have fun mess around and don’t care about KDA, casual players that are just naturally good at games now and indirectly look like try hards, and competitive players that are finding their game to “go pro” in and become a streamer etc. it’s a shame because there’s nothing wrong with all categories, but it effects each other quite a lot.

[@AND___rei]

Regarding the branding sponsors and contracts, GRID did it really good, you get decals on your car from those sponsors, get money if you do a specific challenge (x amount of drift, win the race, don't crash the car at all etc). They could EASILY do this and reward people actual multibucks they can use to buy specific sponsor merch (ospuze, volpe etc)

[@THiiXY]

Yeah GRID was a great game, I was also thinking Need for Speed: Pro Street was really cool too, with the contracts and career progression, trying to beat the rival Rio.

[@ROBBOBBYJUNIOR]

Good video when this game grows u will too

[@McDuckee69]

Embark needs to prioritize fun and minimize frustration, a perfect example was removing nukes. Nukes were fun for the first few times they were used but also gave the most aggravating experience for the receiver. I have a few ideas to minimize frustration, only allow one type of mine to be equipped, lower damage of mines to 70 damage, increase running speed of heavy and medium a small bit, revert the entry cost of invisibility cloak but make it easier to see in ranges of 30m, make stun gun a melee weapon, take away 25 health from heavy and give it to light, defibrillator respawn all classes at a max health of 125, mesh shield goes back to 1000 health but has to weak spots for critical hits, dome shield increases in size and health, shield cannot be shot through, aps turret can only destroy 4 grenades before going into a cooldown (except for medium and heavy’s grenade launchers), healing beam has 25% less healing before cool down, healing is faster for lights and slower for heavy’s, lmgs function like Fortnites precision aiming, you can only have 1 damage based grenade at a time (glitch grenade excluded), goo gun doesn’t immobilize you, melee weapons make you 10% faster (except sledgehammer), if riot shield takes 250 damage it will be unable to use the secondary ability for 8 seconds. Tournaments should also be reworked to gradually drain money instead of having the last 20 seconds be the only time that matters, however the money speeds up the more times it’s been stolen, the 3v3 in the end should remain the same however. I honestly didn’t expect to have a lot of problems with this game, and just an idea for a fun game mode would be a 10v10 base defense game mode where the team with most objectives in their base that haven’t been blown up win.

[@mehwaterbottle2557]

I agree with all of this^