In a notable turn of events, one of the standout titles of 2026, Slay the Spire 2, has recently faced a significant wave of review bombing on Steam. Initially riding high with an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating, the game has seen its status plummet to “Mostly Negative” following a series of contentious updates that have left a segment of its player base dissatisfied.
Slay the Spire 2 Controversy
The backlash against the game has intensified, particularly after it was revealed that Anita Sarkeesian, a well-known critic and commentator, served as a consultant for the development team at Mega Crit. While the specifics of her contributions remain undisclosed, her involvement has sparked discontent among certain fans, leading to a surge in negative reviews.
Sarkeesian, who gained prominence in the gaming industry during the 2010s for her critical analysis of gender representation in video games, has long been a polarizing figure. Her association with Slay the Spire 2 has reignited old tensions, particularly in light of the infamous Gamergate controversy, which targeted her and others advocating for diversity in gaming.
The numbers tell a compelling story: over the past month, 65% of the game’s reviews—totaling 51,859—have been negative. As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain how Valve, the platform hosting the game, will respond. Historically, the company has taken measures to filter out reviews that appear to be part of coordinated campaigns. Meanwhile, Mega Crit has yet to issue a statement regarding the ongoing situation.
Interestingly, the fallout from this controversy has largely remained confined to Steam, as the game is currently in early access and lacks user reviews on Metacritic. Additionally, being a PC-exclusive title means console players are not part of the conversation. Despite the tumult, the game’s recent launch trailer has not shown signs of being affected by the negative sentiment.
As the gaming community continues to engage with these developments, the implications for Slay the Spire 2 and its reception will be closely monitored. The intersection of game development, player expectations, and the influence of public figures remains a dynamic and evolving narrative within the industry.
