Ready or Not, a tactical shooter by VOID Interactive, has been available on Windows PC for several years and is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on July 15. Recently, the developer announced updates to certain animations to meet console certification requirements, sparking frustration among fans.
VOID Interactive explained that the changes also involve updating the game’s technology from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5. This shift allows for improved animation efficiency and better performance, essential for planned cross-play features. Lead technical artist Alex noted that new motion capture sessions with special forces actors aimed to create more natural animations, moving away from generic movements common in games.
The update includes reduced depiction of ongoing gore. Although initial violence and dismemberment remain visible, further deterioration of bodies after death will no longer animate. Additionally, some graphic art related to torture has been toned down, and select nudity has been covered. These modifications were described as necessary compromises to comply with strict console certification standards, which are more demanding than the relatively lenient PC platforms like Steam.
On PC, the changes have been met with hostility. Many players accuse the developer of “censorship” and prioritizing console market demands over the original game experience. A top-voted Steam review claims the studio is “appeasing console regulators out of sheer greed.” The negative feedback has led to a “Mixed” recent review rating, featuring numerous angry comments.
Despite the backlash, Ready or Not continues to perform well commercially. It ranks 15th in Steam’s global top sellers, outperforming several recent releases. Its current visibility is boosted by participation in Steam’s summer sale, where it is discounted by 50% to $24.99. Since the censorship announcement on June 27, the game’s active player count has doubled, indicating sustained interest fueled by ongoing controversy.