Indie physics-based co-op game Dear Passengers, developed by Ukraine-based studio Flexus, has gone viral with over 42.6 million views on X and 241,600 views on TikTok, but not all attention is positive. The trailer features a pilot named 'Epst. J' and a character resembling Donald Trump being slapped and thrown from a plane, which critics say exploits the name of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for marketing.
Viral Trailer and Backlash
The trailer, released on Tuesday, shows players as cabin crew for the 'world's worst airline,' ripe for chaotic multiplayer and Ryanair jokes. However, the Epstein reference has drawn sharp criticism. One X user wrote, 'Using a reference to Epstein to market your game is kinda gross I’m ngl. Like there is zero reason for someone to have Epts. J as they username in the game trailer.' Another added, 'Why the fk is a username like that in the OFFICIAL TRAILER for this game? Click on the link and it’s on the Steam page. Never playing anything from Flexus.'
Marketing Strategy or Misstep?
Criticism posts have garnered over 47,000 likes, suggesting the controversy may have been intentional to boost visibility. Some view it as silly satire in a non-serious game, but many find it distasteful. The game is part of the 'friendslop' genre, following earlier hit Meccha Chameleon.
About the Game
Dear Passengers is being developed by Flexus, a studio with over 70 employees known for mobile titles like Tower Craft, Mow My Lawn, and Dye Hard. The game promises online co-op, allowing players to pilot the plane or work in the cabin while dealing with dynamic weather, turbulence, air pockets, and risky passengers. A release date has not been announced, but it is set to launch on PC in 2026.
