Gunz the Duel, the 3rd-person action game originally released in 2006, has returned to PC via Steam, but its revival by developer Masangsoft has been met with significant player criticism. Issues range from severe technical problems to allegations of the use of generative AI without proper disclosure.
Since its launch over the weekend, the game has garnered a mixed rating on Steam, with many players voicing their dissatisfaction. Complaints center on numerous technical problems, including persistent network issues that reportedly result in over 2000 ping in matches. Some players have also observed a degradation of the core gameplay experience, with one user noting that "When slashing a blocking enemy - even with angles taken into consideration - flinching/stagger almost never happens and seems very inconsistent."
Beyond gameplay and network concerns, a significant point of contention is the suspected use of generative AI. Players have pointed to "extremely obvious AI use everywhere in this game" and noted that the Steam page lacks any disclosure regarding AI development, which violates Steam's guidelines. This has led to frustration and distrust, with some players going as far as to dub the developers themselves "AI" due to a perceived lack of communication and responsiveness.
Discontent is not confined to Steam reviews. The game's dedicated Reddit community, a long-standing hub for fans, is also filled with complaints. Reports include the presence of seemingly invulnerable hackers in matches, a plain user interface, and what is being described as "AI slop." Old bugs from the game's beta period have also reportedly resurfaced.
Masangsoft has not been silent on all fronts, reportedly undertaking server maintenance to address the networking problems. Not all players are having a negative experience, with some expressing happiness simply to be playing a beloved game from their past. However, the multitude of issues and the perceived lack of developer engagement have cast a shadow over the game's re-release, leaving its future uncertain. The developers now face the challenge of addressing player feedback and resolving technical shortcomings to restore confidence in the cult classic's new iteration.