Dark Matter (video game)
A truncated metroidvania with a missing ending.
Dark Matter is an indie video game blending metroidvania and survival horror elements. It was created by Interwave Studios and released by Iceberg Interactive in October 2013 for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The game is known for its difficult development and poor reviews.
The game was originally planned to be built by a team of six people within a year. After twelve months of work, it was still unfinished. Running low on money, Interwave launched a Kickstarter campaign in June 2013 seeking £50,000. The campaign failed, and the development team was let go that summer. The game was then released in an incomplete state with only four levels and no ending. The studio hoped that sales would allow them to rehire the staff. Neither Interwave’s management nor Iceberg knew the ending was missing, and they temporarily removed the game from Steam. A cinematic ending was added later that October.
Critics gave Dark Matter negative reviews, including a 4/10 from GameSpot. Reviewers and players criticized the abrupt ending, which led to refunds from GOG and another temporary removal from Steam.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Dark Matter
- Developer
- Interwave Studios
- Publisher
- Iceberg Interactive
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, macOS
- Released
- October 17, 2013
- Genre
- Platform game, survival horror
- Modes
- Single-player
- Engine
- Unity
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Interwave Studios intended Dark Matter to be developed by a team of six and completed within a year. One year into production, the game was not in a complete state. With funds running low, Interwave launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in June 2013, hoping to raise £50,000. The campaign failed, leading to the development team being laid off that summer.
The game was released in a truncated form in October 2013, offering four levels, and with its ending missing. The intention was that sales of the game could fund the rehiring of the development staff. Both the management team at Interwave and the publishers at Iceberg were unaware that the ending was missing, and temporarily pulled the game from Steam in response. A cinematic ending was patched into the game later that October.
Reader's Guide
Dark Matter's significance lies in its cautionary tale of crowdfunding failure and incomplete release. The game received negative reviews from critics, such as a review score of 4/10 from GameSpot. Reviewers and players criticized the game's abrupt ending, leading to refunds being offered by GOG and the game being temporarily pulled from Steam. The development team was laid off after a failed Kickstarter, and the game was released in a truncated form with only four levels and a missing ending, which both the developer and publisher were unaware of. The game's legacy is defined by its troubled production and the subsequent patch that added a cinematic ending, though it could not salvage its critical reception.
Did You Know?
- The game was released with only four levels and its ending missing.
- Both Interwave's management and Iceberg Interactive were unaware the ending was missing.
- The game was temporarily pulled from Steam after the missing ending was discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dark Matter (video game)?
Dark Matter is an indie title that mixes metroidvania exploration with survival-horror mechanics. It was developed by Interwave Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive, launching in October 2013 for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
What platforms can I play Dark Matter (video game) on?
The game is available on three PC operating systems: Windows, Linux, and macOS. No console or mobile ports were ever released.
Why was Dark Matter (video game)'s development so troubled?
The original plan called for six developers to finish the game in a year, but twelve months passed with it still incomplete. Interwave's June 2013 Kickstarter for £50,000 failed, the team was laid off that summer, and the half-finished product was pushed to release anyway.
How did critics receive Dark Matter (video game)?
Reviews were largely negative, with GameSpot scoring it 4 out of 10. The unfinished state, missing ending, and rough gameplay were the most common points of criticism.
More in Metroidvanias 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced