For most reviewers, receiving an embargoed code for an unreleased game is a privilege, one that needs to be respected or lost. But for some, it is nothing more than receiving a series of numbers and letters. As Immortal Redneck prepares to debut on Switch, its creators found out that they may just have been involved in a review code scam.

On May 1st, a Reddit user AtomicCat_ on the Nintendo Switch subreddit reported seeing an awkwardly placed Ebay ad selling what seemed to be a code for the unreleased game Immortal Redneck for the Nintendo Switch. Even though the ad sounded, the user let curiosity overtake him and they purchased a copy for $16.00- yet strangely, the game actually activated early.

After gaining some traction both on Reddit and on Twitter, Immortal Redneck’s developers chimed in on the shocking situation. “We only received a limited amount of review codes,” said one of the game’s developer, “Our PR team is very selective with handing out codes,” they added.

According to Ebay’s regulations, the sale of embargoed goods is prohibited, and items should only be posted after the item is officially listed at retail stores. This however also breaks the reviewing guidelines that most companies follow, which specifically specifies against “sharing or reselling of item until embargo/ after review”.

After speaking with the original buyer, Immortal Redneck’s team was able to obtain the Ebay ID of the illegal seller, and is currently working on taking the needed precautions. As for the Reddit purchaser, Immortal Redneck happily let him keep, and enjoy his purchased copy earlier than everyone else.

Unfortunately for those rooting for the team behind Immortal Redneck’s success, it now will receive one less critical review and a bit less press than initially intended. With indie studios, every sale counts, and this just may take away from the potential sale audience for the game. Hopefully the actions by the studio in how carefully they handled the situation will inspire players to check out their upcoming Switch release.

Immortal Redneck is a rogue-like first-person Shooter set in the pyramids of Egypt and is currently available on: PS4, Steam, and Xbox One. Immortal Redneck will come to the Nintendo Switch on May 10th.

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