Postal's Tumultuous Two Days: A New Game, Fan Backlash, and Studio Closure
The Postal franchise, known for its over-the-top and often controversial nature, has experienced a whirlwind of events in just 48 hours. Running With Scissors (RWS), the original creators, found themselves at the center of a storm after their newly formed subsidiary, Goonswarm Games, announced a spin-off titled Postal: Bullet Paradise. The announcement, initially intended to generate excitement, quickly devolved into a public relations nightmare, culminating in the game's cancellation and, astonishingly, the apparent closure of Goonswarm Games.
The AI Accusation That Sank Bullet Paradise
The drama unfolded on December 3rd when RWS revealed Postal: Bullet Paradise. However, instead of celebrating the impending release, the company was deluged with negative feedback from the Postal community. Fans suspected that significant portions of the game's content were generated by artificial intelligence. RWS, citing "extreme damage to the brand and reputation," swiftly announced the project's termination, stating that trust in Goonswarm Games had been "severely undermined." This swift condemnation left many bewildered, especially given the brand's history of pushing boundaries.
Conflicting Accounts and Escalating Outrage
The developers at Goonswarm Games, however, countered these accusations, asserting they had faced "false allegations regarding AI," which they felt did not justify the extreme reaction. The situation escalated dramatically when RWS's Executive Director, Mike Jarett, took to Discord to vehemently deny the AI claims. This public defense seemed to only amplify the criticism, leading to a more intense backlash.
“We were overwhelmed with negative feedback... Fans saw content that was very likely created by artificial intelligence.”
Adding fuel to the fire, a separate communication from a Goonswarm developer was interpreted by the community as an insult directed at individuals with disabilities. This perceived insensitive remark ignited further outrage and deepened the divide between the developers and the fanbase. While RWS later issued an apology for any offense caused "in the heat of the moment," the damage was already done. The developers also confirmed that individuals who had made threats of violence against the team were removed from their Discord channel.
The Aftermath: Studio Closure and Uncertain Futures
Following the intense backlash, RWS pledged to move forward, promising new releases and updates for the Postal franchise in 2026 and beyond, though specific details remain undisclosed. The fate of Goonswarm Games, however, is starkly different. The studio, which hadn't even launched its debut title, announced its cessation of operations due to "a large amount of threats, insults, and mockery." Artem Korovkin, Goonswarm's CEO, revealed that this decision impacts nine developers and contractors. Despite owning the source code, continuing development on Postal: Bullet Paradise was deemed unrealistic.
A Steep Learning Curve in Game Development
The entire saga surrounding Postal: Bullet Paradise – from its announcement and subsequent accusations of AI use to the public outcry, the alleged offensive remark, the game's cancellation, and the studio's closure – represents a dramatic and cautionary tale. For Goonswarm Games, it was an abrupt and harsh introduction to the realities of the gaming industry. The Postal franchise itself, which began in 1997, has a long and storied history, including the beloved Postal 2 (currently getting a VR version) and the critically panned Postal 4: No Regerts. The brand's future, while seemingly secured by RWS's commitment to new projects, now carries the indelible mark of this recent, chaotic chapter.
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