Developer activism, particularly from art director Matt Hansen's public rants against 'crusty white dudes' and emphasis on diverse hiring practices at Obsidian, fueled significant pre-release controversy amplified by figures like Elon Musk and Grummz, leading to accusations of DEI-driven development and illegal discriminatory hiring. However, no confirmed involvement of consultancy firms like Sweet Baby Inc., and post-release player feedback on Steam and X focuses on gameplay shortcomings such as repetitive combat, shallow progression, quippy writing, and lack of post-game content rather than ideological intrusions.

Companions are praised for nuance and depth in a morally gray world consistent with Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity lore, without overt social justice lectures, race/gender swaps, or identity politics dominating the plot. Critic scores around 80 contrast with mixed user scores (Metacritic 'Mixed,' Steam around 64-70%), but the gap stems from quality critiques, not woke backlash, which faded after launch. Overall, progressive touches feel incidental and organic to modern RPG norms rather than compromising the core fantasy storytelling.