Facepunch Studios is implementing significant structural changes to s&box, the sandbox creation platform intended to succeed Garry’s Mod. The announcement follows a difficult launch in April, which was met with negative reviews and a rapid decline in active users. Creator Garry Newman has publicly acknowledged that the platform’s initial approach to content discovery was flawed and is now reversing course on several key decisions.
Abandoning the Netflix model for games
Newman stated that the studio’s original vision of a streaming-style library where users browse a menu of titles does not function as intended. He noted that players become overwhelmed by the volume of available content and often encounter low-quality games immediately after downloading them. This friction leads to user churn before they can find engaging experiences.
“My idea of a Netflix for games doesn’t work,” Newman wrote in a recent developer update. “It’s not feasible. It’s not how people discover games. You can’t land people on a menu of 60 games and say, ‘have fun’.” The studio is now shifting its focus from engine development to improving the actual player experience within the sandbox mode.
To address the issue of content quality, the platform is introducing a greenlight-style system for user-generated games. This move replaces the previous open-upload model that allowed a large volume of unvetted content to flood the store. Newman described the current state of the library as containing a “ton of shit games” and stated that the new curation process aims to raise the quality bar significantly.
Monetization and character updates
The studio is also restructuring how creators earn revenue through the Play Fund. Previously, payouts were distributed automatically based on map counts and player numbers. The new policy requires creators to apply for the program. This change is designed to discourage clickbait, idle games, and low-effort content. Newman confirmed that the team has already removed numerous games and maps that failed to meet the new standards.
In a move to broaden the player base, s&box will transition to a free-to-play model before the end of 2026. Users who purchased the game during its early access phase will receive exclusive Steam inventory items as compensation. The value of these items will correspond to the price tier of their original purchase, with higher-paying backers receiving additional rewards.
Visual updates are also underway. The default character model known as “The Citizen” or “Terry,” which resembled a sausage, has been retired from the main menu and avatar editor. It has been replaced by generic human characters. Existing games that utilize the old model will continue to function, but the asset is no longer the standard for new creations.
Newman accepted responsibility for the launch issues, stating that the studio let down players who expected a polished product. He emphasized that the team’s passion lies in game development rather than just engine tools. The upcoming changes represent a direct response to community feedback and an attempt to recapture the spirit that made the original Garry’s Mod a cultural phenomenon.
Source: PC Gamer
