China has rejected a $7 million offer from Sweet Baby Inc to influence their game development negatively.
The studio Game Science, developing Black Myth: Wukong, opted to proceed on their own without consultancy.
This rejection generated significant backlash on social media platforms like Weibo.
Context of the Situation
Sweet Baby Inc has a history of pressuring developers to pay for consultancy to avoid negative press.
Developers often fear backlash from journalists perceived as supportive of Sweet Baby Inc’s ideology, which can result in accusations based on various biases (e.g., racism, sexism).
This scenario reflects broader trends across the gaming industry, particularly in America.
Allegations and Responses
Articles against Black Myth: Wukong criticized the game even prior to its release, accusing it of not aligning with Western progressive values.
Developers are often coerced into seeking consultancy to mitigate negative coverage.
Insiders from Game Science indicated that they faced threats of bad press regarding their understanding of American socio-political dynamics.
The Role of Journalists and Consultancy Firms
A concerning pattern exists where former journalists work with consultancy firms, creating a cycle of pressure on game developers.
Sweet Baby Inc is accused of acting in concert with journalists to manipulate narratives surrounding game titles to benefit consultancy.
Player backlash can be weaponized to persuade developers into consulting relationships, forcing changes in their creative processes.
Game Science's Stance
The studio’s director expressed a strong disdain for pandering to consultancy firms, prioritizing the preferences of their intended player base.
Statements made by the director included a rejection of sensitive, progressive themes in storytelling, focusing instead on authenticity to their audience.
“F the sissies,” comments indicate a refusal to cater to perceived trends in favor of creating meaningful content for their core audience.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights a shift in game development dynamics, indicating Chinese developers may pursue creative independence absent of Western constraints.
An emerging sentiment surfaces that suggests gamers are turning to Eastern developers for authentic gaming experiences, potentially leaving Western developers behind.
The gaming industry may see a long-term trend of increasing dissatisfaction with Western development norms and a movement towards Eastern developers.
Discussion Points
The ongoing influence of consultancy firms and their relationship with journalism warrants examination, particularly regarding their effects on game quality and developer autonomy.
A question arises: Are negative perceptions of new titles like Black Myth: Wukong genuinely warranted, or are they a product of external influences?
Engagement with this topic is encouraged to gauge opinions on whether Sweet Baby Inc embodies problematic practices in gaming narratives.