There’s something I’ve noticed for a while in the community: every time Kunos Simulazioni announces a new delay, not only does the disappointment arrive… but also the chorus of people defending the indefensible.
What shocks me the most isn’t the delay itself, but the attitude that’s expected from players: that we keep quiet, wait patiently, and understand because “that’s just how software development works.”
And no. It’s not wrong to demand better.
Paying Doesn’t Mean Signing a Silence Agreement
When I decided to buy Assetto Corsa EVO in Early Access, I knew what I was getting into. I didn’t expect a finished game. What I did expect was some level of consistency between what was promised and what was delivered.
I expected communication, reasonable updates, and above all, respect. Because when you pay, you’re not signing a loyalty contract — you’re entering a simple agreement: I give you my money, you give me a developing project with specific promises.
If that relationship breaks with unrealistic roadmaps, last-minute announcements and long silences then raising your voice is absolutely valid.
Criticism Isn’t Hate
Every time someone expresses frustration, others jump in saying things like: “You don’t understand how development works,” “you have to be patient,” “this is how Early Access goes.” As if those phrases invalidate any complaint. As if being disappointed means being toxic.
Criticism isn’t hate. In fact, it’s a legitimate form of feedback. It’s what helps studios steer in the right direction, prioritize what really matters, and understand how their community feels. Feedback doesn’t end with applause.
Some people think that defending the developer no matter what is being “positive.” But there’s a limit. Blind positivity becomes complacency. And complacency, in the gaming industry, is fertile ground for broken promises, crunch, shady decisions and misleading marketing.
Accepting everything without questioning doesn’t help studios. It harms them. Because they get used to silence and delays having no consequences. To making promises they don’t plan to keep while still selling without accountability.
Delays? Okay. Silence? No.
Most of us aren’t upset about an update being delayed. We’re upset when we find out on the last day of the month, after weeks of silence, through a vague Instagram story or a rushed message.
We’re not asking for miracles. We’re asking for information. An honest post now and then, explaining what went wrong, why it’s going to take longer, what’s coming and roughly when. Something that builds trust. That makes us feel part of the process, not just wallets with expectations.
Kunos Is Not Your Friend. It’s a Business.
Sometimes it seems like part of the community forgets this essential detail. Kunos is not our friend. It’s a company that charges for its product. And like any company, it has a responsibility to its customers. This isn’t about being ungrateful. It’s about remembering that this is a commercial exchange, not an emotional loyalty pact.
I don’t care if Marco or Ben work 18 hours a day or if the team is small. That might earn them empathy, but it doesn’t cancel out the right to demand they keep their word. Because if they can’t, then they shouldn’t be making promises they can’t keep.
Demanding Is Caring About What You Love
I want Assetto Corsa EVO to be a great simulator. I believe it can be. But for that to happen, we have to demand that the project is managed properly. That it doesn’t get lost in its own hype. That communication isn’t a recurring joke. That the trust we gave by paying doesn’t go to waste.
Because demanding doesn’t mean destroying. Demanding is caring. It’s saying: “this matters to me, that’s why I speak up.”
We’re not here to applaud every move or be free PR for Kunos. We’re here because we love what they’re trying to build, but also because we know that promises don’t fulfill themselves.
So yes: demanding is valid. And more than valid, it’s necessary. Because if we don’t do it, who will?
You can buy it from 23 euros in our Instant Gaming link:
Happy Racing!
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