Developer regrets inclusion of solo mode in ‘Some of You May Die’ multiplayer-focused game
Independent game developer Octavia Blue, known as Jo, has publicly expressed her deep regret over the implementation of a single-player mode in her title “Some of You May Die”. On August 9, 2026, he shared his thoughts on Platform X, describing the decision as a “big mistake” and indicating that the game should have been released exclusively with a multiplayer focus. The creator’s experience highlights the challenges faced by smaller studios in managing community expectations and developing projects.
What is the game “Some of You May Die”?
Released on July 24, “Some of You May Die” is an online PvP (player versus player) auto-battle game, available for PC via Steam, with Japanese language support. The premise involves players collecting heroes, improving teams with coins obtained in clashes and defeating opponents in strategic combat. Each hero has enhancement attributes that provide high initial values and scale significantly with improvements, allowing for various strategic combinations that include negative effects such as poison and stun, as well as damage bonuses based on distance or the enemy’s maximum HP. The strategic purchase of upgrades is essential for success in battle.
Origin of solo mode and developer frustration
Originally conceived as an online PvP title, the game had single-player mode added in response to user requests during the announcement phase, a decision Jo considered “naive”. The developer explained that because production resources were limited and the focus was on multiplayer, the solo mode was planned as an “extra”, with an estimated length of around six hours. However, this implementation resulted in “calculation errors”, leading the mode to be considered a “failure” and contributing to unfavorable evaluations by the community.
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Impact on ratings and player reaction
User reviews on Steam quickly revealed issues with the single-player mode, particularly regarding the volume of content offered and the price. Jo made several “balance adjustments” before launch that, paradoxically, resulted in excessive difficulty for new players. Reviews indicated that the game was “too difficult” and “too expensive”, leading to a “mixed” review status, with only 65% of 49 reviews being positive in the initial period. In direct response to this feedback, the default difficulty of solo mode was reduced as early as July 29th.
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Refocusing and post-launch decisions
Noticing the dissatisfaction and negative impact on reviews, Jo demonstrated empathy for users. He acknowledged that the attempt to create a challenge for solo players, who migrated to the game through this option, ended up generating criticism of being “too difficult”. On August 9, 2026, he publicly shared his conclusion that “focusing exclusively on multiplayer” would be the wisest decision. To mitigate the damage and prevent the situation from worsening, single-player mode has been removed from the game’s store page, and the user interface has been reorganized to prioritize access to multiplayer mode. While the mode itself wasn’t physically deleted from the game, it was clear that the core design and goal of “Some of You May Die” was always oriented toward the group experience.
Crucial lessons for indie developers
Jo’s experience and the “failure” of the single-player mode in “Some of You May Die” offer valuable lessons for the game development community, especially for independent creators operating with limited resources. Jo summarized her main findings into two key points:
- You should not try to please all users, as this can dilute the original vision of the project.
- If the demo version of a game is well received, it is wise not to drastically change the balance or core elements before release.
These points underline the importance of sticking to the “original plan” amid user feedback and suggestions. While community interaction can refine content, the scarcity of time and money in independent development makes prioritizing the initial vision a critical factor in the success and sustainability of a project. The trajectory of “Some of You May Die” serves as a case study in the complex choices developers face in the search for innovation and market acceptance.
Future perspectives of the game on the market
Even with the challenges faced, “Some of You May Die” continues to receive updates. The game’s ability to recover and attract a solid base of players from its main modality – PvP multiplayer – will be an important indicator for its future. Developer Jo’s saga highlights the volatile nature of game development and the need to adapt, while reinforcing the importance of a clear, focused strategy for independent studios. The game remains available for PC through the Steam platform.
