In a notable shift, the action platformer Hotel Barcelona has transitioned from a “Mixed” user review status to “Mostly Positive” on Steam, as reported by Automaton. This change follows a series of updates from developer White Owls Inc., which notably addressed the game’s controversial use of generative AI.
Collaboration of Creative Minds
The sidescrolling roguelike action game stands out due to its collaboration between two renowned Japanese creators: Goichi “Suda51” Suda, known for titles like No More Heroes and Killer7, and Hidetaka “Swery65” Suehiro, famed for Deadly Premonition. This partnership was highly anticipated among fans, making the initial rocky launch particularly disappointing.
Following the game’s launch, players expressed concerns, accusing it of “trying too hard.” The situation intensified with the revelation of AI-generated audio and visual assets hidden within the game. In response, CULT Games, the game’s publisher, promptly issued an apology regarding the use of these generative AI elements.
WE DID IT!!HOTEL BARCELONA has finally escaped “Mixed” on Steam and reached “Mostly Positive.”Since Under New Management in March, every player, review, and bit of support helped us get here.The curse of MIXED is broken.Thank you!CHECK-IN & DESTROY!!#HotelBarcelona pic.twitter.com/SIbnacG6KnJune 8, 2026
Swery65 took to Twitter to celebrate the improved user reviews, attributing the positive shift largely to the significant “Under New Management” patch released in March. He joyfully proclaimed, “The curse of MIXED is broken.” This patch has been described as a comprehensive overhaul, addressing everything from enemy balance to basic movement mechanics, and even rewarding players with five free skins.
As a fan of Deadly Premonition and intrigued by Suda’s work, Hotel Barcelona initially piqued my interest. However, the initial backlash led me to reconsider. With the recent updates, I find myself eager to revisit the game, particularly when it next goes on sale. For those curious, Hotel Barcelona is available on Steam, complete with a demo for players to explore the new balance changes before committing.
