The latest twist in the Postal saga has shocked fans and developers alike. In a surprising turn of events, a new game in the infamous Postal series was abruptly canceled just days after its announcement. This decision followed accusations that the game’s development involved generative AI, leading to the eventual shutdown of Goonswarm Games, the studio behind the project.
Postal: Bullet Paradise Announcement and Controversy
Earlier this week, fans were introduced to Postal: Bullet Paradise, a dystopian first-person shooter featuring 11 unlockable Postal Dudes from various timelines. Announced with much fanfare, the game promised to expand the chaotic universe of Postal. However, the excitement was short-lived. Almost immediately after the reveal, keen-eyed fans noted potential AI-generated elements in the game, sparking widespread debate. While the official trailer was swiftly removed from YouTube, it remains accessible on its Steam page.
Community reactions, especially on the Postal subreddit, pointed out several inconsistencies in the visual elements, suggesting the involvement of AI. Despite denials from both Goonswarm and the publisher Running With Scissors, the controversy grew, fueled by prior suspicions related to Goonswarm’s past projects.
Publisher’s Decision and Developer Shutdown
Running With Scissors faced intense backlash from the community, forcing them to take a decisive stance. In a statement, they acknowledged that the controversy had severely damaged their brand and opted to cancel the project. The statement emphasized their commitment to transparency and maintaining trust with their fans, although co-owner Mike Jeret’s heated remarks during the backlash added fuel to the fire.
For Goonswarm, the cancellation marked the end of the road. The studio released a heartfelt statement explaining their struggles amid false AI accusations and the overwhelming backlash, ultimately leading to their decision to shut down.
The Ongoing Postal Saga
Postal’s history of provoking controversies is nothing new. The series, often criticized for its violent themes, has previously faced backlash, including a disappointing reception for Postal 4: NoRegerts, which launched in 2022. Despite these challenges, Running With Scissors remains committed to the series and looks forward to future projects and updates.
Meanwhile, the fan community remains hopeful for a comeback of Postal: Bullet Paradise with a different developer at the helm. The passion for the series endures, even as the dust settles on this latest chapter in Postal’s tumultuous journey.
This incident underscores the complexities and challenges game developers face in navigating new technologies and fan expectations. The saga of Postal continues, with many eyes keenly watching its next move.