Day One: Garry's Incident has turned into a public relations disaster for the developer, Wild Games Studio.
In soliciting reviews for their game, Wild Games Studio sent the code to internet sensation, and YouTube reviewer, TotalBiscuit. He was one of many industry critics and reviewers. To make a long story short, TotalBiscuit did not like the game, due to a myriad of bugs. So, as he normally does, TotalBiscuit posted his review on YouTube.
The negative review triggered the public relations disaster. Wild Games Studio reacted in a fashion no game company should ever do. They put in a Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice to YouTube and got the video blocked.
The firestorm erupting from this action has permanently harmed the reputation of Wild Games Studio. Though they have since removed the copyright claim, allowing the review to be seen, the damage has been done to their reputation, and any attempt to further this game or even fix the bugs mentioned. The revenue lost could be significant.
This should serve as a warning to all video game companies. Survival depends on reviews of your game. It takes years to repair yourself from this kind of PR damage, as no reviewer will touch future games put out at this point from Wild Games Studio, no matter the quality. This black mark will be carried by programmers for Wild Games Studio as well to subsequent positions elsewhere. This despite not being involved in the DCMA issuance.
A bad game happens every once in a while. Developers can fight past a bad game and create a good one. Funcom, among others, have done this. Some companies, being so good all the time, can put out a stinker as well, as Square Enix did with the first attempt at Final Fantasy XIV. But public relations disasters like Wild Games Studio are not forgiven by the gaming population and the community of reviewers as LagSpike.tv has joined.
Think before you act.