1348 Ex Voto Controversy: Anti-Woke Backlash and Funding Questions

The recently released medieval action-adventure game 1348 Ex Voto is facing a wave of criticism and controversy, stemming from both its gameplay and accusations of “woke” content. Released on March 12, 2026, the game has garnered a Metacritic score of 54, but a strikingly low user score of 1.1 on Steam .

The Source of the Backlash

Much of the negative attention centers around the inclusion of lesbian romance in the game. Critics have labeled this as “forced DEI” and alleged that it represents an attempt to inject modern social agendas into a historical setting . However, reports indicate that LGBTQ+ representation in 1348 Ex Voto is minimal, with PCGamesN noting that players “never see so much as a tender brush of hands” throughout the story .

Funding and Allegations of Propaganda

Adding fuel to the fire, claims have surfaced regarding the game’s funding. It has been alleged that 1348 Ex Voto received approximately €656,131 in government tax credits and grants from the Italian Ministry of Culture’s Video Games Tax Relief program between 2021 and 2024 . Some individuals have interpreted this as evidence of state-sponsored “propaganda,” suggesting that Italian taxpayers funded a game designed to promote a particular ideology , .

Gameplay Reception

Beyond the controversy, 1348 Ex Voto has also faced criticism for its gameplay. Reviews on Steam are currently mixed, with many players citing issues with bugs, performance, and combat . Despite these issues, some players are finding enjoyment in the game’s story and setting .

About 1348 Ex Voto

1348 Ex Voto is a third-person action-adventure game set in 14th-century Italy. Players take on the role of Aeta, a knight errant on a quest to save someone close to her . The game is described as “cinematic” and inspired by chivalric tales .