Chroma alpha ends June 4, needs 'substantial retooling,' Harmonix says

The alpha period for Chroma will end June 4, and the music-infused shooter from Rock Band developer Harmonix Music Systems needs "some substantial retooling," according to an email the developer sent to players.

Harmonix unveiled the free-to-play shooter in February alongside the game's alpha. Developed in collaboration with Hidden Path Entertainment, the developer's assessment comes as a result of its research and tester feedback, according to an email sent to players.

"Based on the terrific feedback we got from all of you in the community, as well as our own analysis, we have concluded that Chroma will need some substantial retooling to be the game we want it to be," the email reads. "We remain passionately committed to the high-level vision, and we think there are some very successful mechanics and systems in the existing build. The team has, in fact, already started prototyping new directions for the game based on those successful mechanics. We look forward to sharing with you down the line, as Chroma evolves in new directions."

After servers shut down, the development team will return to the "game development mines to figure out their next move," to according to the email.