(Psst, before we start... Be sure to follow Abbey on Steam if you want to stay in touch with us!) Oh sweet mother of God, remember 2015? Remember?! When you picked up Renowned Explorers, even though (*checks early reviews) it looked like a "Mobile Game"? That is 10 years ago.
It was the year of Jurassic World. Woke was still woke. A time before the great plague, and before all the other plagues too. Old people didn't find the real internet yet. We did extensive marketing on Facebook back then, which worked just as well as it does today. This shark had a tough time in 2015. Did he know that in 2015, we arrived at the apex of modern humanity? Did he peeked into the future, and thought "Snap snap, it's all downhill from here. Let's dance for the lost future, Katy".
2015, what a time to be alive. In 2256, when Renowned Explorers 2 is finally anounced on your Google Brainslurper, the explorers will be cybersurfers in the year 2015. They will be exploring the memes and greenlit games that showcase the best the internet had to offer.
But what a ride for Renowned Explorers! You all by now know that we almost croaked under Renowned Explorers failure at launch. Only by the blessings of St. Totalbiscuit that Abbey Games survive. Together with the community we ran community challenges, our bi-weekly source of joy!
We created two expansions with more fun for you to explore. Campfires. Islands, Vases to break. It was glorious. Glorious.
But everything that starts, must end. Renowned Explorers, even though it's beloved by many of those who give the damn game a try, was never going to be big enough to support our mortal coils. We had to move on, and so we went to make Godhood. It was very hard, and it didn't work out the way we wanted. So as a last shot at keeping making games, we made Reus 2. Luckily, that one is doing well for us! (Because it's a good game, folks).
Even now, we always have to come to the conclusion that Renowned Explorers was never really meant to be. Godhood - which we consider our weakest game - still outperforms Renowned Explorers 4 to 1 in 2025. Renowned Explorers might have the personality, but it doesn't have the face. It's the harsh reality of making video games for a living. But it is still in our hearts. As are you, who have pushed us and Renowned Explorers to places we couldn't have imagined 1 day after release. So here comes my attempt to befriend you:
We often think back to Renowned Explorers. We had so much fun in that period, a time with a lot of creativity and unawareness of market restraints that were forming on Steam. A time with a lot of fun, and a beautiful group of players that made the game alive for everyone. We're honored you all allowed us to do this. That you laughed at my dumb writing with even dumber spelling, loved our characters, and pushed the adventure forward. It was amazing having fun with you.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Keep adventuring, keep learning, and keep a lighthearted love for the world.
....
No, we're not wrapping up Abbey Games! We're even working on something new! It's in the earliest of phases, but who knows... this might be up your alley as well?
Be sure to follow us on Steam if you want to stay in touch with us! Who knows, maybe we'll meet each other at the next adventure! - All the best from the Abbey