guides
Why Is 'Skullgirls' Getting Review Bombed on Steam? The Update Controversy Explained
Back in June this year, players of the fighting game Skullgirls had different opinions on the internet after an update altered or removed some suggestive imagery and themes in the game.
Moving forward a couple of months, in December 2023, the game’s recent reviews are overwhelmingly negative on Steam and are steering a debate on social media about some of the game's edgier elements.
Here’s everything to know about why Skullgirls is getting review-bombed on Steam.
What Is The 'Skullgirls Update Controversy'?
Skullgirls is a 2D fighting game that had its fair share of controversies ever since it was released in 2012. Most recently, however, the newest entry of the franchise, Skullgirls 2nd Encore, started to receive negative reviews on Steam in June 2023, after an update brought changes to a few character designs and in-game artwork, especially the removal of some symbols that bore a resemblance to Nazism (like red armbands), the toning down of some sexually suggestive elements and adjusting some racial content believed to be in poor taste.
YouTuber LalitoTV posted before-and-after comparisons of the original and adjusted artworks and scenes in the game (shown below).
Why Is Skullgirls Getting Review Bombed on Steam?
The update led to a review-bomb by some players who complained about the update and the developers removing or adjusting some of the game's contentious elements. For example, on June 27th, user ItsClaptrap decried the changes as a form of censorship, gaining over 590 retweets and 3,700 likes in one day (shown below, left). Also that day, user @SavedYouAClickFGC voiced support for those complaining, gaining over 370 retweets and 2,100 likes in a similar timeframe (shown below, right).
Currently, on Steam, of the 301+ reviews that were left in the last 30 days, 69% of them are positive ones.
The resurfacing of interest in the game's update controversy in December 2023 is also related to a video posted by YouTuber @ShortFatOtaku, who explains the Skullgirls and Lab Zero situation. The video amassed over 136,000 views and 7,900 likes in three days.
Does Skullgirls Force An Update On The Game?
The debate about Skullgirls' controversial update resurfaced in December, after some users alleged the game now "forces the updates on you," as some users detailed in a Game Faqs forum.
On December 12th, 2023, the game's official X account uploaded a video detailing some of the latest updates (shown below), which amassed over 68,000 views and 2,800 likes in a day.
Marie has entered Early Access in Skullgirls 2nd Encore on Steam!Check out the full update notes here:❤ https://t.co/X9GNWuVTtzPick up the Season 1 Pass today to try out Marie in Early Access:💀 https://t.co/tAarBXRoHd#Skullgirls #SkullgirlsMarie pic.twitter.com/nr5FirG53o
— Skullgirls (@Skullgirls) December 13, 2023
For the full history of the 'Skullgirls' update controversy, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.
