[UPDATE: A previous version of this story incorrectly attributed XboxViewTV to Xbox. Game ZXC apologizes for the error and wants to make clear that XboxViewTV is not connected to the Xbox brand in any way.]
The recently announced FMV title Gamer Girl is getting a significant amount of backlash from gamers on Twitter, YouTube, and other social media outlets after the official trailer went live yesterday.
Unveiled via XboxViewTV, the brand new FMV (full motion video) game entitled Gamer Girl is set to release on all major platforms later next month. The game was developed by FMV Future (writers behind the FMV horror game The Bunker) and co-developed and published by Wales Interactive
The game is "set in the world of online streaming" as the publisher describes it, where the player "adopts the role of moderator for up and coming streamer ‘Abicake99’, who’s back online after the mysterious disappearance of her friend Becky." The game also features a "multi-branched narrative and real-time chat simulation" with the player's role to act as moderator, and guiding "Abi’s choices and uncover the threat she faces by an anonymous stalker who hides in the stream’s chat."
Gamer Girl received substantial backlash and hate from Twitter and YouTube users, who have argued that the game feels far too close to reality. In response to Twitter user's critical comments, Wales Interactive later stated that "the reason Wales Interactive Studios created Gamer Girl was to raise issue of the toxic environment which can often appear online behind the anonymity of a username."
Whether or not the game ends up resonating with players and critics when it finally releases, it is undeniable that the title focuses on a very touchy subject matter, with one Twitter user even comparing the trailer to an episode of Black Mirror. Many are arguing that the title is shamelessly cashing in on serious issues within the gaming world, and some making jokes and references to real world "Gamer Girl" events.
The trailer was quickly removed from PlayStation's Twitter and YouTube accounts after receiving a massive influx of negative comments.
Gamer Girl is set to release sometime in September.
