player backlash Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 22, 2025

Gamers Warned as BlockBlasters Patch Installs Malicious Software

BlockBlasters, a 2D platformer-shooter developed by Genesis Interactive, was removed from Steam after a late-August patch introduced malware that compromised players' sensitive information. The update, released on August 30, contained harmful components identified by security firm G DATA as a sophisticated operation aimed at stealing personal data. The malware, initiated by a file named game2.bat, collected data such as IP location and Steam login credentials, transmitting it to a command-and-control server. The malicious sequence included additional scripts that targeted browser extensions and cryptocurrency wallets. Over 100 players downloaded the compromised build, with reports of infections during gameplay. Following these revelations, BlockBlasters was flagged as "suspicious" and removed from the platform. Players are advised to uninstall the game and conduct antivirus scans.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Steam’s slop problem has gotten much worse as reports say the number of games using GenAI has gone up almost 800% in the last year alone

The number of games on Steam disclosing the use of Generative AI has surged by nearly 800% over the past year, with just under 8,000 titles currently utilizing this technology, representing approximately 7% of the total Steam library. A year ago, around 1,000 games were reported to disclose the use of Generative AI. The influx of low-effort, AI-generated content has raised concerns among developers and players, particularly regarding quality dilution in gaming storefronts like the Nintendo eShop. Some developers have faced imitation of their popular titles, leading to frustration over misleading consumers. While some developers have stopped using AI due to backlash, others have adopted defensive language about their practices. The reported figures reflect only those developers who voluntarily disclose their use of Generative AI, suggesting the actual prevalence may be higher. Generative AI is being used in various ways, including for content moderation in games like Comedy Night, which filters offensive user-uploaded content. An artist known for contributions to Persona and Shin Megami Tensei attempted to train an AI model to replicate their style but found the results unsatisfactory, illustrating the challenges of AI in creative fields.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Ready or Not Review-Bombed on Steam as PC Players Claim Shooter Was ‘Censored’ to Satisfy Console Makers

Ready or Not, a tactical first-person shooter by VOID Interactive, is experiencing backlash on Steam due to recent changes made for its console release. VOID stated that modifications to the game's levels of gore, nudity, violence, and depictions of child mistreatment were necessary to meet console manufacturers' requirements. Players can no longer dismember defeated enemies, instances of torture and nudity have been reduced, and a child character now appears "unconscious/sleeping" instead of in a violent animation. Despite the developers claiming these changes are minor, community response has been negative, with some players accusing the studio of censorship and calling for a boycott. The game's overall user review rating remains 'very positive,' but recent reviews have shifted to 'mixed.' Ready or Not previously faced challenges, including a temporary removal from Steam in 2022 due to a trademark dispute and a controversial announcement about a school shooting level.