Fans of the Postal series reacted strongly to the Bullet Paradise trailer, alleging it contained AI-generated artwork, which led to its prompt cancellation. Discord exchanges and a satirical post on X amplified the backlash surrounding this externally developed spinoff. Running With Scissors, the publisher, announced a shift in focus to other projects slated for 2026 after reassessing the situation.
This week, Running With Scissors canceled the newly announced game, Postal: Bullet Paradise, just a day after its reveal. The cancellation followed fan backlash over the perceived use of AI-generated artwork in the trailer. Developed by Goonswarm Games, the first-person shooter spinoff faced criticism shortly after Running With Scissors had publicly criticized the use of generative AI in gaming. The publisher expressed that the decision to cancel stemmed from a loss of trust in the development team and emphasized their commitment to transparency with their community, with several projects still underway.
"We've been overwhelmed with negative responses from our concerned Postal community," the company stated on X. "The consensus among them is that parts of the game are likely AI-generated, which has severely damaged our brand and reputation." They apologized to those offended during the controversy but clarified that this did not extend to those who issued death threats.
The uproar intensified as fans scrutinized the December 3 trailer, pinpointing elements they believed were AI-generated. Last month, Running With Scissors had declared on X that consumers should be informed if a game involved AI in its creation, advocating for games crafted with genuine creativity and talent.
The situation escalated when company representatives defended the trailer on X and Discord while using offensive language against critics. As screenshots of these exchanges circulated, Running With Scissors issued another apology for any insults during the heated discussions while maintaining a firm stance against threats.
The Postal franchise, known for its dark humor and graphic content, originated in 1997. Its controversial nature has led to bans in several countries due to its violent themes. Following the incident, Running With Scissors announced a focus on upcoming 2026 projects and reiterated that any threats against staff would be taken seriously. The future of Postal: Bullet Paradise remains uncertain, as the situation has sparked renewed debate about the disclosure of AI use in game development.
Running With Scissors reaffirmed their dedication to their fans: "Since forming in 1996, we've always considered our fans part of the team. Our priority is to do right by those who support the Postal franchise," they wrote. "We are grateful for the opportunity to make the games we want to play, and will continue to focus on our new projects and updates coming in 2026 and beyond."
In response to the backlash, Goonswarm Games announced its closure, stating, "Our project, and everything we built over the past six years, was canceled in just a few days." They refuted the AI allegations and condemned the threats and insults received. The studio's closure reflects the broader industry trend of increased AI adoption by major publishers like Ubisoft, CD Projekt Red, Square Enix, and Activision for various development processes. However, this shift has been met with resistance from players concerned about the impact of AI on artistic consistency and job opportunities for human artists.
In 2025, over 3,500 jobs have been cut in the gaming industry, compounding fears that automation will further diminish prospects for artists and early-career developers. Nearly 15,000 jobs were lost in 2024. Goonswarm expressed regret for the artists affected by the ordeal, stating, "We’re truly sorry for the artists who invested their heart into this and supported our studio, only to face false AI accusations."