Chinese players unhappy with the inclusion of the Tibetan flag in Life is Strange: True Colors have begun review-bombing the game on Steam.
As spotted by PC Gamer, the latest release of the fan-favourite series – despite sitting on an overall aggregated score of “Very Positive” reviews – has recently been hammered by negative reviews almost exclusively written in Chinese because of the title’s in-game Treasures of Tibet store, which flies the Tibetan flag.
Life is Strange True Colors Review – Life is Strange True Colors PS5 Gameplay Watch on YouTube
“Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet have been Chinese territories since ancient times. No matter how the obsolete think, they will eventually return to the mainland,” says one such negative review, as translated by PC Gamer. “I suggest that NEETs read more books, stop being stupid, and find a job to support themselves.Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet is part of China forever.”
“The game contains elements of Tibetan independence, implying a split of China,” insists another.
It’s not the first time Chinese players have taken to Steam’s review system to register their unhappiness. Horror Devotion – developed by a Taiwanese team – was removed from sale for referencing a meme directed at China president Xi Jinping. Though it’s back on sale now directly via the developer’s website, it has not returned to Steam.