Notes on China and Sweet Baby Inc. Controversy

Overview

• China’s Game Science rejects a $7 million offer from Sweet Baby Inc to influence their game development process.
• This situation reflects a broader issue within the gaming industry regarding consultancy firms and their influence over developers.

Key Points

Rejection of Consultancy Offer

• Game Science chooses to develop Black Myth: Wukong independently, sparking controversy on social media (Weibo).
• Decision seen as a pushback against exploitative consultancy tactics by Sweet Baby Inc.

Allegations of Misleading Journalism

• Developers accused of intimidation tactics, suggesting companies pay for consultancy to avoid negative press.
• Instances of misleading articles from journalists associated with Sweet Baby Inc, accusing developers of various forms of discrimination (racism, sexism, etc.).
• Developers feel pressured to conform to Western sociopolitical standards.

Impact on Developers

• The backlash against Black Myth: Wukong before its release, related to alleged insensitivity to social progressivism, reflects the influence of media and consultancies.
• Articles suggest the game's creators lack understanding of Western cultural dynamics.

Critique of Consultancy Firms

Extortion Claims

• Sweet Baby Inc is described as leveraging negative press as a weapon to coerce developers into contracts.
• Examples of other major studios (e.g. Spider-Man 2, Naughty Dog) paying large sums for potentially detrimental consultancy advice.

Journalist and Consultancy Collusion

• Journalists now moving into consultancy roles, creating a cycle of negative press that leads to developers seeking paid consultancy for mitigation.
• CEO of Sweet Baby Inc advocates for using fear tactics against developers who do not comply with their suggestions.

Cultural Discrepancies

• Chinese game development does not prioritize Western progressive standards, leading to rejection of influence from Sweet Baby Inc.
• Game Science's focus is on catering to domestic gamers rather than complying with Western expectations.

Game Development Philosophy

Black Myth: Wukong's Approach

• Clear stance from the game's director rejecting the need to cater to both male and female audiences to avoid alienating game consumers.
• Emphasis on making games that reflect the director’s vision rather than succumbing to external pressures.

Conclusion

• The situation illustrates a greater shift in the gaming industry where developers outside the West are asserting their independence from Western consultancy firms and their influence.

Discussion Prompt

• What are your thoughts on the role of consultancy firms like Sweet Baby Inc in influencing game development? Are they conducive to the gaming industry or detrimental?

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