‘Postal: Bullet Paradise’ Canceled After AI Controversy
The gaming world was rocked this week when Running With Scissors, the developer behind the controversial shooter franchise Postal, announced that it was canceling the latest entry, Postal: Bullet Paradise, just one day after its official reveal. The decision came in the wake of fan accusations that the game’s trailer included AI-generated artwork—an issue that sparked massive backlash among the gaming community.
Community Backlash and Developer Response
Fans carefully analyzed the trailer, released on December 3, and highlighted details they suspected were generated by AI. This came as a surprise, given Running With Scissors’ public stance against AI usage in creative work. In a November post on X (formerly Twitter), the company emphasized, “Customers deserve to know if a game was crafted with creativity, soul, and actual talent rather than some machine crapping out anything from a prompt.”
Amid the uproar, the publisher addressed fans via social media, admitting that trust between the company and the external development team, Goonswarm Games, had been eroded. In an official statement, they apologized to concerned community members while expressing regret for the incident. However, they also denounced inappropriate and threatening behavior, saying that death threats to their team were unacceptable and would be reported to authorities.
Fallout for Goonswarm Games
The controversy had swift and devastating consequences for Goonswarm Games, the external developers hired for the spinoff. On December 5, the studio announced its closure, citing an inability to recover from the false accusations of AI usage. “Our project and everything we’ve built over six years were canceled in just days,” the studio said, adding that the misinformation generated threats and insults that deeply impacted their team.
The Role of AI in Gaming: A Heated Debate
The backlash comes at a time when leading game publishers such as Ubisoft, CD Projekt RED, and Square Enix have increasingly turned to generative AI for in-game asset creation and streamlining production pipelines. Supporters of AI argue that it helps accelerate workflows, yet skepticism remains. Critics point to ethical issues such as the potential misuse of copyrighted material and the increased risk of replacing talented human artists with automated systems.
According to industry-tracking site Gaming Layoffs, more than 3,500 gaming jobs were cut in 2025 alone, fueling fears that AI adoption could further limit opportunities for new developers and artists.
Lessons Learned and What’s Next for Running With Scissors
Despite the setback, Running With Scissors assured fans that the company will continue to focus on its upcoming projects planned for 2026 and beyond. “Since forming Running With Scissors in 1996, we’ve always said that our fans are part of the team. Our priority is to always do right by the millions who support the Postal franchise,” the company emphasized in a statement.
As the gaming industry continues grappling with the use of AI in creative processes, developers are finding themselves walking a fine line between innovation and preserving the artistry behind game creation. More than ever, transparency is paramount in earning the trust of dedicated gaming communities.
Related Product Highlight
For fans of gaming and collectibles, consider adding a slice of gaming nostalgia to your collection with the Razer Viper Mini Signature Edition. This lightweight gaming mouse, celebrated for its precision and responsiveness, is a perfect way to elevate your gaming setup—no AI required!
