Gaming journalists are calling the newly released video game Mixtape a strong "Game of the Year" contender, but a lot of gamers seem to disagree, and they're causing a bit of a stink about it on social media lately.

Mixtape's release came with a whole lot of perfect review scores from critics, while others are saying that it's hardly even a video game because it tends to "play itself."

But what does it mean that Mixtape plays itself, and why are gamers giving the game so much backlash? Here's what we know.

What Is 'Mixtape'?

Mixtape is a narrative video game from Annapurna Interactive about a group of high school students who are about to graduate and go their separate ways.

The game takes players through a "mixtape" of the group's memories, which are strung together with a variety of minigames where you do things like rake leaves, French kiss and ride a shopping cart down a busy street.

The game is heavily inspired by '80s coming-of-age movies and is designed with the Spider-Verse movies in mind.

Mixtape was released to critical acclaim from several prominent gaming journalists. Sites including IGN, DualShockers, Insider Gaming and more gave it perfect scores, while many others gave it near-perfect scores, celebrating its story, graphics and original take on narrative video games.

However, some very vocal gamers on social media disagree with the high praise from critics, and the title has been embroiled in controversy since it debuted.

Why Is 'Mixtape' Being Criticized Online?

The main criticism of Mixtape is aimed at its gameplay, or rather, its lack of gameplay. Some gamers, including streamers who played the game live, noticed that some portions of the game seem to "play themselves."

One streamer, PayMoneyWubby, literally put the controller down and ate snacks during one minigame and not only passed the section, but got an achievement for doing it without a single error.

X / Twitter user Christina Tasty did the same thing with a different part of the game in which the player is meant to run and dodge obstacles. She dodged no obstacles and still passed on to the next part of Mixtape.

Some are suggesting that the game would have been better as a movie, while others are taking things a step further and criticizing the game's writing, the jarring framerate disparity between the characters and the backgrounds and more.

Explaining why I, personally, hate Mixtape in just under 3 minutes of totally uninterrupted "gameplay" (Spoilers): pic.twitter.com/UKwEfYFJ74

— Christina Tasty (@ChristinaTasty) May 8, 2026

What Are Some More 'Mixtape' Reactions And Memes?

Mixtape is absolutely TERRIBLE. It isn’t even a video game. It literally plays itself. Do NOT buy. pic.twitter.com/SADzFs433r

— Michael Does Life (@MichaelDoesLife) May 9, 2026

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For the full history of the Mixtape Criticism, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.