Core Viewpoint - The game "New Moon Together" will stop updating after 417 days since its launch, and it has been removed from various platforms, although players can still log in [1][2]. Group 1: Game Development and Performance - The development team expressed regret over the project's failure to meet expectations but aimed to provide a satisfactory conclusion by completing the storyline in the final update [4]. - The game maintained a stable player rating between 7.5 and 8.2 during its operation, and it took four years to develop before its release in October 2024 [8][13]. - The game peaked at number one on the iOS free games chart and reached number 27 on the revenue chart but quickly declined thereafter [13]. Group 2: Player Sentiment and Community Response - Players had anticipated the game's decline, especially after the extension of update cycles from 28 to 42 days during the anniversary celebration [6]. - The emotional response from players is understandable, as the development team put significant effort into refining the game despite limited resources [8]. - The departure of key writer Bai Bohuan, who contributed to the game's narrative quality, was seen as a significant loss, impacting player attachment to the game [15]. Group 3: Industry Context and Competitive Landscape - The game faced stiff competition from other turn-based RPGs like "Honkai: Star Rail" and "Return to Future 1999," which outperformed it in content and gameplay [20]. - The industry trend shows that many games, including those from major developers, are facing similar fates of discontinuation, with a significant percentage of games not surviving their first year [23][25]. - The concept of a "dignified exit" for games is becoming more prevalent, with some titles opting for less abrupt endings to maintain player goodwill [30].

Core Insights - The startup project led by former producer of "White Night Extreme," known as "墨犬科技," has ceased development after initial excitement and funding expectations [1][15]. Company Overview - The founder, 贾晨, previously worked at Tencent's subsidiary, 北京永航科技, where he was the producer and art director for "White Night Extreme" [1]. - The new company, 北京墨犬科技, aimed to create a significant and innovative product, with a team comprising several key members from 永航科技 [1]. Project Details - The initial project, internally named "Code:墨犬一号," was a 3D ARPG developed using UE5, but it was still in a very early stage with a rough appearance [3]. - The game was intended to feature open-world exploration elements, allowing players to collect resources and engage in combat with various monsters [3][9]. - The project faced skepticism due to the team's lack of experience in 3D game development and the high costs associated with such projects [11]. Market Context - The gaming industry has seen a significant increase in competition, particularly in the 2D and open-world genres, making it challenging for new entrants [11]. - "White Night Extreme" had a promising start but ultimately faced a decline in performance, leading to its shutdown in late 2023 [13][15]. Future Directions - Following the project's cancellation, the company is reportedly pivoting to a new urban evolution-themed game set in the Northeast industrial era [18]. - Recent job postings indicate a shift in focus towards creating high-quality effects in a magical realism style, suggesting a change in artistic direction [18]. Industry Dynamics - The departure of key personnel from 永航科技 has led to internal restructuring, with new companies being formed and existing ones undergoing significant changes [18]. - The competitive landscape remains intense, with established companies also struggling to maintain momentum in their projects [11].