Descenders Next Receives Major Multiplayer Update, Developer Apologizes for Delays
Descenders Next, the sequel to the beloved extreme sports simulation game Descenders, has rolled out a significant multiplayer update. Developer Ragesquid has issued an apology for the prolonged wait for updates, attributing the delay to challenges in development and parallel console projects.
New Multiplayer Modes
The latest update introduces three multiplayer modes from the original Descenders: race mode, follow‑the‑leader mode, and park mode. Players can now create custom lobbies for private matches with friends and enjoy a gear‑unlock system reminiscent of the first game.
Developer Apology
Ragesquid’s co‑owner, Rosie Albers, expressed regret for the delay in a Steam post, stating, “We’re very sorry for taking so long with updates on Descenders Next, and not being able to deliver what we’ve been promising yet.” Albers highlighted the team’s efforts to recapture the essence of the original game, saying, “Behind the scenes we’re slowly working on getting the feel and flow of Descenders back into Descenders Next.”
Player Numbers & Platform Presence
The update comes amid observations that the original Descenders may be outperforming its sequel in terms of player numbers. While Descenders Next has struggled to match the peak concurrent players of its predecessor, both games are available on Microsoft’s Game Pass, which may be bolstering their popularity.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Ragesquid has promised more updates for Descenders Next in 2026, including a career mode and a new map.
Current Pricing
Both Descenders and Descenders Next are currently available at discounted prices, with the original game priced at $6.24 and the sequel at $25.49.
