First-person tactical shooter Ready or Not has achieved a remarkable milestone, selling 13 million copies across all platforms since its debut in Steam Early Access in December 2021. Set against the backdrop of a city grappling with rising crime rates and hostage situations, players step into the shoes of a SWAT officer tasked with restoring order. While developer Void Interactive undoubtedly celebrates this accomplishment, the game is still navigating the aftermath of a significant controversy that led to a vigorous review bombing.
Ready or Not?
Indeed, Void Interactive has reason to celebrate, as their tactical shooter has reached an impressive 13 million sales, bolstered by a recent console release. The game made its transition to console platforms on July 15, contributing three million copies to the overall sales in less than two months. However, this successful leap was not without its challenges, as controversy still lingers in the air.
In July, Ready or Not faced a wave of negative reviews following the announcement of content cuts aimed at meeting console content ratings. These adjustments, which included the removal of post-mortem dismemberment and some nudity, were perceived by some players as significant alterations to the game’s integrity. The backlash was swift, causing the game’s ‘Recent Reviews’ rating to plummet to Mostly Negative.
In response, Void Interactive issued a statement addressing the backlash, attributing the negative reception to “misconceptions and misinformation.” Gradually, the game’s ratings have begun to recover, currently sitting at Mostly Positive. However, a steady stream of negative reviews persists, with many players expressing concerns over perceived censorship and others noting an apparent visual downgrade. According to August’s patch notes, Void Interactive identified a bug responsible for low texture appearances, yet some players continue to report ongoing issues. The hope remains that these remaining glitches will soon be resolved.
Despite these challenges, Ready or Not continues to deliver exhilarating SWAT action, whether players choose to engage solo with bots or collaborate with fellow enthusiasts among the game’s 13 million purchasers. A recent update introduced two new difficulty modes and two additional missions, ensuring that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging. For those looking to further enhance their experience, a plethora of mods are available to explore.
For gamers interested in enforcing the law in different settings, a selection of the best police games awaits. Alternatively, if military strategy is more appealing, a curated list of the best war games is also available.
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