Ready or Not, the tactical shooter developed by VOID Interactive, has been available on Windows PC for several years and is set for a July 15 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Recently, the developers announced an update on Steam that modifies certain animations to help the game pass console certification, a decision that has sparked backlash among PC players.
According to VOID Interactive, the update mainly aims to modernize the game’s technology. Previously built on Unreal Engine 4 with custom animation methods, the game is shifting some elements to Unreal Engine 5’s better-built animation features. This shift is intended to improve performance and support cross-play functionality.
Lead technical artist Alex explained that the team used motion capture from five special forces actors to create more realistic and varied animations. The update also involves subtle changes to gore and content; for example, while dismemberment remains, dead bodies will no longer show ongoing deterioration animations. Some depictions of torture have been toned down, and a few nudity scenes are censored. These changes were made only when necessary for console certification.
Console certification ensures that games meet standards designed to protect platform reputations by avoiding substandard content or performance. While this process can be restrictive, it contrasts with the broader, more varied quality seen in PC game releases.
Many PC players view the changes as censorship harming the game’s original vision. A top-voted Steam review accuses the developers of prioritizing profit over PC players by altering content to satisfy console regulators. Other reviews include outspoken criticism and hostile language.
Despite this backlash and a shift to “Mixed” recent reviews on Steam, Ready or Not continues to sell well. It currently ranks 15th in global Steam sales charts, outperforming other recent releases. The game is also featured in Steam’s summer sale at 50% off for $24.99.
The controversy has generated significant attention, doubling the game’s active player count shortly after the announcement. Continued media coverage may help maintain or increase its popularity despite the contentious changes.