The launch of the promising game RavenIdle by Tavernlight was cancelled due to the game’s infrastructure failing to handle unexpected demand. Developers expect the game to return after a complete system rebuild.
Infrastructure Problems and Launch Cancellation
The launch of RavenIdle, which promised a prize pool of up to $570,000, was cancelled on July 4 after the server infrastructure failed to handle unexpected demand. **Nicolas Schrik**, CEO and Game Director, explained in video updates that the system was not properly engineered to support even a small player base.
> “It just wasn’t built properly,” Schrik said. “It couldn’t even handle a small player base, and we didn’t expect the amount of traffic RavenIdle ended up generating.”
System Rebuild and New Features
Following the cancellation, Tavernlight decided to rebuild the entire backend structure from scratch, while the frontend and gameplay systems were unaffected. Internal playtests confirmed that the game loop was solid, but the backend collapsed during the live deployment. During the redesign, several features originally planned for later seasons will be added, including PvP options, a Gladiator Arena, and a fishing mechanic. Additionally, the cap on the prize pool has been removed, allowing it to scale indefinitely based on community contribution.
Future of RavenIdle and Related Projects
The **RavenQuest: Treasures Below** expansion remains on track and unaffected by the RavenIdle delay. As a gesture to players, the team launched a double XP and loot event in RavenQuest while backend rebuilding work continues. No new release date has been confirmed, but a public stress test is planned before the relaunch.
The current situation surrounding RavenIdle highlights the importance of reliable infrastructure for the successful launch of games. Tavernlight is taking steps to address the issues that have arisen while continuing to develop its projects.
