C'mon y'all. Games don't exist in a vaccum, nor does coverage of games, nor do communities.
It's a shame that a particularly hateful and savvy community sprang up around this game (and absolutely there's a conversation to be had about why that is), but it couldn't flourish without the approval of the studio, and the studio has no monetary reason (again, there's a conversation to be had about all the other reasons they should be attuned to) to intercede while they keep getting sales based largely on continued positive coverage of their marquee game.
I get that this is a fun game, and I enjoyed watching it before I knew about all the racist stuff, but it seems like an easy choice to shelve this one until the studio proves (not just a well-worded statement) that it doesn't want to foster hate?
Really glad y'all did this segment and shared your platform to show solidarity like this. Best of luck to GWU and Riot employees and organizers everywhere trying to improve their workplaces and communities.
Been going through a similar crisis of artistic conscience in my own way, so I hear you Abby. What's been working for me (just sharing my experience, definitely not the only solution) has been getting involved with political groups in my area (shoutouts to Seattle DSA) and learning to organize and do mutual aid. That's helped a lot with my wanting to change the world feelings as I make connections, get perspective, and see actual change happening, plus it's freed me in my art to find joy in the process and love the exploration again.
Best of luck to you as you figure out your own path. Whatever you do, we appreciate your unique voice and style you bring to GB! ?
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