Void Interactive has announced significant modifications to the console version of its controversial shooter, Ready or Not, in response to requirements set forth by its first-party partners. These adjustments encompass alterations to elements such as dismemberment, gore, nudity, and representations of violence, including the treatment of children. Notably, some of these changes may also extend to the PC version of the game.
Certification and Compliance
In a recent update on Steam, the development team expressed relief at successfully navigating the certification process for the console launch on their first attempt, resulting in a PEGI 18, USK 18, and ESRB M-rating. They emphasized that the modifications made to the game remain true to its original tone, despite the necessity for adjustments.
The team elaborated on the rationale behind these changes, noting that maintaining multiple versions of the game with differing assets and mechanics increases the potential for bugs in future updates. They cited issues such as lighting and optimization, as well as the challenges of ensuring consistent gameplay across platforms. “If the in-game assets were not the same, it would make crossplay unusable,” they explained, highlighting the importance of uniformity for multiplayer functionality.
Adjustments to Gameplay Elements
While player-induced dismemberment continues to feature prominently in the game, its occurrence has been somewhat restricted. For instance, players can no longer dismember an enemy after they have been defeated. Additionally, character art depicting torture has been toned down to avoid excessive graphic content. The team has also made efforts to cover up certain characters more than before.
In terms of sensitive themes, the developers stated that they have always aimed to portray mistreatment of children responsibly. However, they have made slight thematic adjustments to better align with certification standards. For example, an animation change for a child character in the game now depicts them as unconscious rather than in a convulsive state, which previously conveyed a violent appearance.
The team reassured players that the changes made to the console version are subtle enough that most might not notice if not disclosed. The primary alterations involve evidence and nudity, with texture changes not affecting the PC version. Notably, in-game references to illicit activities involving children have been censored exclusively in the console version.
Community Reactions and Controversies
<pDespite the developers' transparency, some fans have reacted negatively, leading to a wave of review-bombing on Steam, with accusations of "cowardly censorship." The console version of Ready or Not is slated for release on July 15, 2025.
In a related context, Void Interactive faced challenges earlier this year when it parted ways with its publisher, Team17, shortly after announcing the inclusion of a school shooting mission in the game. This decision followed a controversial developer response to a Reddit inquiry about the mission, which had raised eyebrows within the gaming community. Additionally, Ready or Not experienced a temporary offline status in 2022 due to a trademark dispute.
