The users themselves flag the posts to be hidden usually, not an oppressive regime. Usually because of petty name calling or because the post doesn’t add value to the discussion, but sometimes it’s simply because fans don’t like what is being said.
To be honest, I think the most pointed criticism should be directed at the corporate level, not the developers at the game studio. The developers have to endure Q&A sessions, but where are the representatives from daddy Microsoft answering for why they railroaded the devs into an early release, and signed off on and released an incomplete product?