On June 2024, the tactical first-person shooter Ready or Not, developed by Void Interactive, began experiencing significant review bombing on Steam. This backlash emerged after the developers released a patch that altered in-game content to comply with stricter console certification requirements. Players on PC platforms criticized these changes, claiming the game was censored to satisfy console manufacturers, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
According to official statements from Void Interactive, the modifications were necessary to ensure the game’s release on consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. The changes included sanitizing certain visual elements and removing or altering content deemed too graphic or sensitive under console guidelines. The developers released before-and-after screenshots to demonstrate the adjustments and emphasized their commitment to preserving the core gameplay experience.
Despite these efforts, the PC community responded with negative reviews, accusing the developers of compromising the game’s authenticity and tactical realism. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and Steam forums highlighted concerns over creative freedom and the impact of platform policies on game content.
Void Interactive continues to engage with the community, promising to balance platform requirements with player expectations. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between developer intentions, platform regulations, and player reception in the evolving landscape of multi-platform game releases.
Image source: Void Interactive official patch notes
