The Shadow Complex Controversy
By sweep 163 Comments
Orson Scott Card, designer of the world in which Shadow Complex is set, is a chronic homophobe. Some people seem to believe the indirect profits Card receives from this game justify a complete Boycott. I appreciate there are probably people here who both agree and disagree with this sentiment; despite a complete absence of any anti-gay themes featuring in the game. (Thanks to Coins from Neogaf for the links)
Heres some ramblings from Card:
The first and greatest threat from court decisions in California and Massachusetts, giving legal recognition to "gay marriage," is that it marks the end of democracy in America.
Already in several states, there are textbooks for children in the earliest grades that show "gay marriages" as normal. How long do you think it will be before such textbooks become mandatory -- and parents have no way to opt out of having their children taught from them?
How do we feel stacking up a boycott based on ethical principles and human rights against, for example, the Left 4 Dead 2 boycott - which is an outburst against Valve for, amongst other things, putting out content which doesn't justify an individual release with a full retail price tag.
I think it's ridiculous that an entire dev team should be punished for an individuals ridiculously backwards world perspective - especially when the game is not a vehicle being used to channel it. Gaygamer issued this article in response:
I still don't have an answer for myself. I think if you're obviously too disgusted to enjoy the game, avoid it, and speak out. However, if you want to play the game, play it. Enjoy it, but offset the hate: if you buy Shadow Complex, donate $5, $10, $15 if you can spare it to a gay charity. Let them know why you're giving the money. Card won't get nearly that much per game. In message boards or user reviews, in blogs or tweets, if it comes up, let people know exactly what Card has said on the matter, and where, and damn him with his own language.
Money is important, but far more important to him, and to history, is his legacy. You can tell from his reactions how much being called a homophobe rankles him. Increasingly and through his own work, the line on Orson Scott Card has moved away from "respected science fiction author" to "kind of insane about this whole gay thing." As his views become more and more fringe, and we continue to gain the rights he's fighting against, he'll retreat further into a conservative ghetto. At that point the country will either persist as it has for hundreds of years, or Card will be right, we'll lose our reproductive imperative, and civilization will be over. If that happens, I'll owe him a coke. Caffeine-free, of course.
Which makes sense.
Offset the hate, yo!
I already bought the game. It's awesome, and worthy of your hard earned. I consider this blog post my good deed for the day. You guys can make up your own minds :)
Thanks For Reading
Love Sweep