Outbound developer apologises for asking player to remove negative review from Steam
Square Glade Games, the indie studio behind recently released exploration game Outbound, has apologized after requesting a player remove a negative review from Steam. The incident occurred shortly after the game’s May 11 launch on PC and Xbox, with the PS5 and Switch versions arriving on May 14.
Outbound is a cosy exploration game where players drive an empty camper van around an open world, decorating and powering it by collecting materials and technology. The game was made available on Xbox Game Pass alongside its standard release.
The developer’s request for review removal, initially captured in screenshots and shared on the Steam Reddit community, sparked immediate backlash. Rather than discouraging criticism, the incident prompted additional negative reviews from players who viewed the action as inappropriate developer behavior. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between game creators and consumer feedback on digital storefronts.
Square Glade Games subsequently issued an apology for the request, acknowledging the misstep. The incident underscores the delicate relationship between indie developers and player communities, particularly regarding how studios respond to critical feedback on platforms like Steam. While Outbound had been anticipated as a relaxing exploration title, the review controversy has overshadowed its launch period and become a notable story about community management in indie game development.