Life is Strange: True Colors is being torn apart on Steam, at least by players from one country. Because the Chinese are really angry.
For story lovers of emotional narratives, the release of a new “Life is Strange” game is a clear highlight, and the latest installment, “True Colors,” is no exception. However, the game is currently inundated with negative reviews on Steam, albeit only from a very specific part of the world. The culprit is a flag in the game that makes the Chinese really mad.
What’s happening? Life is Strange: True Colors has only been available worldwide for a few hours, but has already endured its first shitstorm. Especially from Chinese players, there is a barrage of poor ratings and negative reviews. However, these have surprisingly little to do with the game’s story, gameplay, or price. Instead, it concerns politics and the representation of a country – or rather, the absence of a country, as critics claim.
What’s the fuss about? Early in “True Colors,” the game’s protagonist enters the store “Treasures of Tibet,” which has the Tibetan flag hanging above its entrance.
The problem is that China does not recognize Tibet as its own country, and the flag is even banned in China, as it is seen as a symbol of the Tibetan freedom movement and thus as resistance against the Chinese government.
Many negative reviews refer exactly to this, accusing the game of political propaganda or repeatedly stating that “Tibet is misrepresented, as it is an integral part of China” or that the game “contains elements of Tibetan independence and thus implies a separation from China.” Some express themselves even more angrily and write:
Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet have been Chinese territory for ages. No matter what the outdated think, they will eventually return to the mainland. I suggest that all the unemployed read more books, stop being stupid, and find a job to support themselves. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet are forever a part of China.
Most reviews from Chinese players go in a similar direction. Few reviews from there really engage with the game as such.
What do the remaining reviews say? Aside from the many negative reviews from China, the new Life is Strange is doing quite well. After all, 85% of the ratings are positive and praise the game. Characters and story are highlighted, everything is said to be understandable and – as you know from Life is Strange – very emotional.
However, there is criticism from veterans of the first LiS games. The story lags a bit behind the first games and isn’t quite as captivating. The biggest recurring point of criticism, however, is the price: the game is rather short for a full-price title, and the ending feels rushed.
Those who are unsure should wait until the game has dropped a bit in price.
Recently, there have been some curious news from China – they are building their own Twitch there, with clothing regulations.
