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The new game being published by Postal developers, Running With Scissors (RWS), has been canned. A Postal-themed Vampire Survivors-like, or “bullet heaven” (gross), Postal: Bullet Paradise. However, it was found to be using AI art in its promotional images, and concerns that the actual game would be riddled with it too.
In a post to X (formerly Twitter) not two days later, the Running With Scissors account announced that they’d cut ties with the studio and canceled the game.
Looking at the studio involved, Goonswarm Games, the other titles on Steam heavily feature AI art in the promotional images.
Postal studio co-owner Mike Jaret and community manager lashed outWhile the move has received praise, those embedded within the RWS community have highlighted the comments of the co-owner of the company, Mike Jaret. You’ll recognise that name if you played Postal 2 or 4, as he’s featured as a main character in both.
On Discord, Jaret doubled down multiple times on the matter, with 12 shown in a screenshot dating from Bluesky. In the posts, Jaret claims the artwork being used wasn’t AI, as well as claiming the following in what’s clearly a tantrum:
“If anyone has an AI accusation, just quit the server.”
“I’ll go a step further: the anti-AI mob has ruined art.”
“They can literally eat my sh#t.”
Further, the company’s Discord manager, Zeron, called another member of the community a “r#tard.” It was getting very heated.
In deleted posts on X, RWS’s own account called one user “stupid” after they raised concerns about generative AI.
RWS has now apologized on X, saying the game was canned over the “negative responses” to the game. In the post, RWS states that this has “caused extreme damage to our brand and our company reputation.”
They have also apologised for the Discord messages from Jaret and other staff, but specifically mention that those who sent death threats aren’t included.
Artist tried proving suspected AI art was real, immediately shot downThe artist behind the piece also posted a now-deleted YouTube video featuring a “speed paint” of the art.
People immediately pointed out that the artwork being painted was simply someone toggling the hundreds of layers on and off, with entirely completed line work appearing out of nowhere.
Postal has had a tumultuous history with partnersRunning With Scissors possibly cut ties with the company, as it has had run-ins with partners before. In 2011, a fiasco with Postal 3 involving the Russian publisher, Akella. Postal 3 wasn’t just poorly received at launch, but was severely broken. Eventually, it was outright disowned by Running With Scissors. They actively tell players not to purchase it and have removed piracy protections.
The studio is currently working with a partner on remastering Postal 2. In 2023, it launched Postal: Brain Damaged, made by an external partner as well.
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