Home
/
AAA games
/
Community events
/

Calling for og developers: reviving dauntless spirit

Callout to OG Devs | Fans Rally for Dauntless Revival

By

Nina Patel

Jun 5, 2025, 08:47 AM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

3 minutes of duration

A community member holds a sign inviting original Dauntless developers to reconnect, surrounded by excited fans discussing game revival ideas.

A community of long-time Dauntless players is calling on the original Phoenix Labs developers to consider creating a spiritual successor to the game. Enthusiasts express not just nostalgia, but a desire to see former team members return to lead a revival.

Given that many in the development community have moved on, would a collaborative project breathe new life into the franchise? Enthusiasts wonder if crowdfunding could fuel their dreams.

Communityโ€™s Hope for a Comeback

The conversation began with a post seeking contact with original developers. Fans reminisced about their time with the game, suggesting a community-driven effort to buy back the rights if they arenโ€™t for sale. 250,000 accounts used to follow Dauntless, and a tribal sentiment for the game remains strong.

"I didnโ€™t even get to experience fighting all the behemoths!" โ€“ Dauntless Fan

The interest isnโ€™t solely driven by nostalgia. Many in the community see potential for a new project that builds on the original's foundation. A user mentioned the possibility of gathering funds through platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter.

Responses from Former Developers

Responses from former Phoenix Labs employees in forums reflect a sobering reality. Retired developer furtive_turtle stated, "Everyone's already moved on to other jobs," indicating a potential lack of time for a side project.

Despite acknowledging the interest in a sequel, they added, "Itโ€™s not likely the OG crew will have any kind of deep involvement." Thereโ€™s a sense of wistfulness in the thread as players express their disappointment over Dauntlessโ€™s current state.

Legal Concerns and Developer Insights

Some players raised questions about legal hurdles, particularly NDAs.

One user noted, "I know theyโ€™re often time-based the time to develop a replacement game could possibly exceed the NDA period." Many agree that the hurdles seem complicated but believe it may not be impossible for the original devs to participate in a new venture unofficially.

The discussion reflects a community yearning for connection and creativity, as well as the challenges faced without the original team in place.

Takeaways from the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Fans want original devs to consider making a Dauntless successor.

  • ๐Ÿ”— Crowdfunding could be the key to community ownership.

  • โณ Former devs hint at legal hurdles surrounding a potential project.

Ultimately, the dream of a Dauntless renaissance remains alive, with players urging for a second chance at a beloved adventure.

Prospects for Rebirth

Many believe there's a decent chance that the Dauntless community will succeed in rallying support for a successor. If the discussions shift toward crowdfunding, experts estimate about a 60% probability that dedicated fans could gather enough resources to reach the original developers. Getting a loyal base to commit could significantly influence former team members, allowing them to explore options without infringing on legal agreements. They might team up informally while potentially respecting their current contracts if community momentum builds up. With 250,000 fans previously engaged and a shared passion for the game, revival efforts seem more likely than not.

A Call Back to Classic Wave Riding

Looking at the rise of skateboard culture in the 1970s provides an interesting parallel. Many enthusiasts of that era found themselves seeking the return of a style and community that seemed lost, rallying together to create independent skate parks and magazines. Just like Dauntless fans, they were driven not just by nostalgia but by a desire to generate a new wave of creativity. Much like those skateboarders rediscovered their passion, Dauntless supporters are similarly working to reclaim something they love, hinting at a possible renaissance ahead.