Ready or Not Player Count Doubles Despite Review Bombing
▼ Summary
– Ready or Not faces negative Steam reviews due to recent changes but shows no lasting damage, with player counts rising steadily.
– The game’s player surge coincides with a 50% discount during the Steam Summer Sale, hitting a two-year low price.
– Despite review bombing and backlash, developer Void Interactive’s reassurances about minimal changes failed to calm initial player frustrations.
– The game’s PlayStation pre-orders are strong, with the Deluxe Edition topping the list, suggesting successful market expansion.
– Future player retention will be tested after July 15 changes, though mods may revert alterations, sparking debate over developer responsibility.
Despite facing significant backlash and review bombing on Steam, the tactical shooter Ready or Not has seen its player count more than double in recent weeks. The controversy stemmed from adjustments made to comply with stricter console standards, sparking outrage among fans. However, the game’s performance suggests the uproar hasn’t deterred new players from jumping in.
Steam data reveals a sharp increase in concurrent players, climbing from under 6,000 to over 17,000 at its peak. This surge aligns with the Steam Summer Sale, where Ready or Not received a 50% discount, dropping its price to a two-year low of $24.99. While negative reviews flooded the platform, the game’s accessibility during the sale appears to have outweighed the criticism.
Developer Void Interactive attempted to address concerns by clarifying that the changes were minor, but the statement only fueled further frustration initially. Yet, the backlash hasn’t translated into lasting damage. The Digital Deluxe Edition of Ready or Not currently leads PlayStation’s pre-order charts, with the standard version securing third place, a strong indicator of sustained interest.
The real test will come after July 15, when the contested updates go live. Some players speculate that the current spike reflects gamers enjoying the unaltered experience while they still can. Others argue that mods will likely restore removed content, though critics counter that relying on community fixes shouldn’t be necessary.
Despite the heated debate, the adjustments are relatively minor, so subtle that many players might not have noticed without the public outcry. While the review bombing campaign made waves, Ready or Not’s growing player base and strong console pre-orders suggest the game will emerge largely unaffected. The situation highlights how controversy doesn’t always equate to commercial failure, especially when paired with strategic pricing and a dedicated fanbase.
(Source: PCGAMER)
