Perhaps taking a cue from the violent video game it was working to promote, the PR firm Redner Group vowed to punish any websites that gave the latest installment of “Duke Nukem” a bad review.

Redner Group sent the following tweet before deleting it:

“#AlwaysBetOnDuke too many went too far with their reviews…we r reviewing who gets games next time and who doesn’t based on today’s venom”

Having reviewed video games for various websites in the past, it’s a necessity to get advance copies of games so they can be reviewed in a timely manner. Obviously, Redner Group knows that and is holding it over the heads of reviewers.

Based on comments to ars technica’s Ben Kuchera story, it looks like Redner has had a change of heart. Kuchera asked Jim Redner to respond, and he did:

“I have had a wonderful relationship working with you in the past. I plan to continue working with you in the future on all projects, if you will allow me.

“I believe reviews are completely subjective. Everyone is welcome to their own opinion and opinions are never wrong.

“It is not my intention to bully anyone. I over reacted. I just voiced an opinion. I have poured my heart into this project and I just want it to succeed.

“It is my hope that you understand.”

Redner also tweeted a public apology.

On its website, the Redner Group bills itself as a PR agency “where the old rules of journalism no longer apply.”

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