Void Interactive has announced that the upcoming console ports of the tactical first-person shooter Ready or Not will feature some content changes compared to the original PC version. While these alterations are not substantial, the developer has opted to disclose them for transparency. The announcement comes as the game approaches its fourth anniversary of launching into early access on December 17, 2018, with a full release following in December 2020. The console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are slated for release on July 15.
Unlike the SWAT games from Sierra Entertainment, which may not make it to current-gen consoles, Ready or Not aims to bridge that gap. However, the upcoming console releases will not be identical to their PC counterpart. Void Interactive has tailored some of the game’s content to meet certification standards mandated by Sony and Microsoft. Changes include reducing scenes of nudity and torture, as well as modifying portrayals of child mistreatment.
Despite these modifications, a representative from Void Interactive reassured fans that there is no reason to be alarmed. The developer has ensured that only content flagged as strictly required by platform partners has been censored, and these adjustments aim to maintain the game’s overall tone and authenticity. Interestingly, while some changes have been prompted by console standards, certain adjustments will also be mirrored in the PC version. The degree of censorship varies based on feasibility; minor texture edits can easily remain exclusive to consoles, while more significant asset changes will be applied across all platforms for consistency.
The confirmed changes include toned-down visuals of torture, reduced nudity in specific instances, softened depictions of children, and altered textures for evidence to be less explicit, while still retaining clarity. Void Interactive asserts that most of these changes are minor, with the notable exception being the handling of dismemberment, which now occurs only while enemies are alive. This compromise aligns with the game’s foundational principle of discouraging lethal force.