Epic Games Distances Itself From Controversial Mass-Murder Shooter Hatred

Epic Games has sought to publicly distance itself from the brutal shooter Hatred that was announced by Polish developer Destructive Creations yesterday, which runs on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 4. Epic has explicitly stated that it has had no part in Hatred's development and has requested that the Epic logo be removed from the promotional video of the game as Destructive Creations did not request permission to use it. You can check the trailer out below but be warned it is pretty graphic.

The Postal-esque isometric shooter Hatred puts player in control of an unhinged character who embarks on a "genocidal crusade". The aim, as far as the trailer shows, is to carry out mass murder, killing as many innocent bystanders and law enforcement as you can in a brutal manner. The small development team behind the game had obviously hoped the controversial announcement trailer would make an impact on the gaming world and they’ve certainly got their wish. The divisive game has instantly caused heated debate among gamers on the nature of video game violence.

Amid the controversy, Destructive Games has sought to justify Hatred, claiming “These days, when a lot of games are heading to be polite (sic), colourful, politically correct, and trying to be some kind of higher art, rather than just an entertainment. We wanted to create something against trends.” The studio tried to calm the storm arising with the reveal trailer, falling back on the age-old argument of “It’s just a game”.

Hatred is being developed for PC and Destructive Games hope to release the title through Steam and GOG, but there’s no word yet on whether either digital storefront will be selling the game. You can watch the reveal gameplay trailer for Hatred below, but be warned, it does contain footage that some people may find disturbing.

Hatred looks like it could reignite an old argument that has rumbled on for a long time throughout the gaming community and beyond. One thing it’s sure to do is provide those people who campaign against video game violence with a lot more ammunition.