Censorship Sparks Backlash: 'Ready or Not' Faces Review Bombing Ahead of Console Launch
July 6, 2025
The tactical shooter game 'Ready or Not' is facing significant backlash due to recent censorship changes, coinciding with its upcoming console release on July 15, 2025.
In response to console launch requirements, developer Void Interactive announced modifications to reduce violence and nudity in the game, which have also impacted the PC version to facilitate cross-play.
This decision has led to the PC version being review-bombed on Steam, accumulating over 10,000 negative reviews, as players express frustration over changes that contradict the game's established reputation for graphic realism.
As of late June 2025, 36% of user reviews for 'Ready or Not' in the past month have been negative, with a notable spike of 64% negative reviews on June 28, the day the censorship was announced.
The backlash has resulted in a 'Mixed' rating for the game's recent reviews on Steam, putting the studio in a challenging position as it prepares for the console launch.
The controversy has ignited extensive discussions on social media and gaming forums, revealing a divided opinion among the player base regarding the game's direction and the necessity of the changes.
Many players feel betrayed, arguing that the PC community should not suffer due to the game's adaptation for consoles.
Originally available on PC since early access in 2021 and officially launched in December 2023, 'Ready or Not' is set to release on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S soon.
Void Interactive clarified that the changes were made for compliance reasons rather than a shift in creative values, specifying modifications such as altering scenes involving nudity and post-mortem dismemberment.
Some players have defended the changes, suggesting that the backlash may be overblown and that censorship could have been limited to console versions only.
Critics of the censorship include users who have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, with some describing the developers' response as 'laughable and pathetic'.
Prior to the controversy, 'Ready or Not' had a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam, boasting nearly 200,000 reviews.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

Sportskeeda • Jul 5, 2025
"Just laughable and pathetic": Ready or Not sparks backlash over new censorship changes
Game Rant • Jun 30, 2025
Tactical FPS Ready or Not Is Being Review Bombed