By Sagar V. Mankar 
Square Enix has announced that its live-service shooter Foamstars will no longer receive seasonal updates after January 2025. While the game will remain playable with online services intact, the upcoming “Party Goes On” season, running from December 13, 2024, to January 17, 2025, will mark the end of new content.
In a heartfelt letter shared on the game’s official website, producer Kosuke Okatani expressed gratitude to players, stating, “Your feedback and support have been a constant source of encouragement for the team. Although seasonal updates are coming to an end, we hope you continue enjoying the game.”
Updates for the Future
Square Enix has introduced several features to keep the game engaging even after the conclusion of its seasonal updates:
- Access to Previous Season Passes: Players can unlock and progress through earlier season passes, giving them a chance to collect items they might have missed.
- Foamstars Cup Events: A new series of in-game competitions, each named after one of the game’s eight characters, will offer unique rewards such as icons and other cosmetic items.
- Enhanced Gameplay Options: New features like customizable character shots and Prism Gems aim to add depth to the gameplay experience.
- Updated Challenges: Daily and event-based challenges will replace limited-time objectives, offering fresh incentives to players.
A Mixed Legacy
Released in February 2024, Foamstars debuted to lukewarm reception. While its combat mechanics were praised for their creativity, its time-gated modes and monetization strategies were widely criticized. The Metacritic score stands at only 57, while user scores are at 6.8. Despite efforts to improve player experience and going free to play in October, the game struggled to gain a foothold in a competitive market dominated by giants like Apex Legends and Call of Duty.
The Struggles of Live-Service Games
The challenges faced by Foamstars are emblematic of broader issues in the live-service gaming model. Games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, XDefiant, and Concord also faced low engagement, leading to significant losses and eventual shutdowns.
For more updates, visit the official Foamstars website. And don’t forget to subscribe to Gaming Foodle for the latest news in the gaming world!