Postal: Bullet Paradise, the anticipated co-op "bullet-heaven" shooter, has been officially cancelled by Running With Scissors just two days post-reveal due to backlash over its use of generative AI assets. The company's founder, Vince Desi, expressed that the negative feedback has severely harmed their brand's reputation and trust in the development team. This first-person shooter was set to feature iconic characters known as the Dudes from the Postal universe and was expected to launch on PC in 2026, later extending to PlayStation and Switch. The decision reflects a growing scrutiny regarding AI technology in game development, especially as companies try to balance innovation with community expectations.
nWhy was Postal: Bullet Paradise cancelled so quickly after its announcement?Postal: Bullet Paradise was cancelled due to overwhelming negative responses from the community regarding the extensive use of generative AI in its development, which the publisher felt jeopardized their brand and damaged community trust, leading to a swift decision to halt the project.
The Postal franchise, known for its controversial themes and dark humor, has long been a staple in the gaming community since its inception in 1996. The original games were notorious for their over-the-top violence and satirical approach, captivating a niche audience that appreciates the freedom and chaos the series offers. Postal: Bullet Paradise aimed to breathe new life into the franchise with cooperative gameplay, but the shift towards AI-generated content proved too contentious for both the developer and its fanbase.
Comments
Man, the Postal series thrives on controversy, but even they couldn't dodge the AI backlash bullet. It's a pretty stark reminder that community trust can be a more fragile asset than any in-game reputation meter.
Well, that's a wild ride from reveal to cancellation in record time. It's a clear sign that the gaming community's stance on AI art is becoming a major factor in development decisions.