Reanimal launched today, February 13, and it’s already facing backlash on Steam. Players are unhappy, and the game now holds a ‘Mostly Negative’ rating. The main source of frustration? The absence of a Friend’s Pass. This feature, which allows friends to play together in co-op mode for free, was something many expected, especially since the game focuses heavily on cooperative gameplay.
One disappointed player, who pre-ordered the game, expressed their frustration in a review, explaining that they felt let down. They believe the developers could have included the Friend’s Pass since it was anticipated for a long time.
The developers acknowledged the issue in a Steam post, saying they “cannot guarantee” the Friend’s Pass would be available at launch. Although they assured players it would come soon, the lack of immediate access affected many day-one players looking forward to co-op adventures.
We are not going to pass on the chance for you to play with friends. The question of a friend pass has been asked many times. Good things come to those who wait, and yes, there will be a friends pass. While we cannot guarantee that it will be available on day one, we are working hard to offer it as soon as possible. More details will follow soon.
Source: Steam
Interestingly, console players are currently enjoying the Friend’s Pass for free on Xbox, which adds to the frustration for PC gamers. Many argue this inconsistency shows a lack of fairness in how the launch was handled. Reanimal comes from the same creators as the popular Little Nightmares series, but it aims for a co-op experience rather than focusing solely on single-player gameplay.
Looking at the industry, co-op features have become increasingly popular in games. According to a recent survey by Statista, 64% of gamers prefer playing with friends rather than alone. This trend highlights the importance of accessibility features like the Friend’s Pass. Developer responses will likely shape player loyalty and opinions moving forward, especially as they try to meet community demands.
As players navigate these early frustrations, it remains crucial for developers to listen closely to their audience. With social media buzzing about the missing Friend’s Pass, the pressure is on to deliver a satisfying solution promptly.
While the game has potential, the launch experience may impact its reception. As Reanimal evolves, keeping an open dialogue with the gaming community will be vital for its future success.
