KUALA LUMPUR: There has been a growing trend on social media of people wanting to see games fail and companies go under over perceived agendas.
These include games accused of forcing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) elements, pandering to a market that does not exist.
Conversely, the same crowd often champions games they have never played, simply because they are the antithesis of the so-called “agenda”. Some even go as far as defending these titles unquestioningly, while taking issue with those who may not enjoy them.
Bungie’s multiplayer sci-fi shooter Marathon falls into the former camp, accused of featuring “DEI aesthetics”, despite receiving favourable feedback for its hardcore gameplay and shooting mechanics. Some are even anticipating its downfall, citing concurrent player numbers that are, in reality, respectable for a niche title.
On the opposite end is South Korean action role-playing game Crimson Desert, criticised for its onboarding and previously clunky controls, but praised for its open world and gameplay freedom. Yet many defend it fervently despite its flaws, potentially harming its long-term perception.
This culture war, driven by online grifters spouting inflammatory gaming discourse for engagement, has gone on far too long. The growing fixation on Steam concurrent numbers further distorts discussions, often misused to support weak arguments while exposing a lack of industry understanding.
All we are saying is this: we can be better. Why not appreciate both games for what they are, and hope they succeed in inspiring developers to keep creating what they love? What is the point of fuelling hate, beyond chasing attention at the cost of credibility?
Short Beats
Epic Games has laid off 1,000 employees, despite the continued success of Fortnite and rising prices for its in-game currency, V-Bucks.
Generative AI company OpenAI has closed its Sora video-making app and cancelled its US$1 billion Disney deal.
New studio Vivix, comprising former Dead Space and Control developers, has announced its new sci-fi action-adventure title Artificial Detective. The game is set for release in 2027 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation.
South Korean studio Iggymob (of Gungrave GORE fame) will release a new action title, MOOSA, slated for PC and Xbox in 2027.
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will reveal more information about their upcoming action-adventure title Stranger Than Heaven on May 6. The game will feature multiple playable characters across five eras and cities, starting in the 1940s.
Arc System Works has announced Guilty Gear Strive 2.0, a major update to its long-running 2D fighting game, set for release on April 9. It will introduce new moves, systems, interface updates, cosmetics, and Season 5 downloadable content.
Games out This Week
Screamer is a new racing game from Milestone, featuring fast-paced arcade gameplay, anime-style presentation, and multiple single-player and multiplayer modes. A remake of the 1995 PC title, it follows five teams competing in the Screamer tournament.
Gigabash’s latest update, the Final Ascension DLC, adds two new playable characters, a story mode, and new maps.
Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy is a new 3-versus-3 player-versus-player-versus-enemy title for iOS and Android, set in modern-day Tokyo. Players take on the roles of Final Fantasy characters in real-time combat against forces of Chaos.
Damon and Baby is a top-down action title from Arc System Works for PC and consoles, featuring twin-stick shooter mechanics and a quirky storyline involving a baby companion. A demo is available.
Etrange Overlord is an action role-playing game from Gemdrops and NIS America. Players take on the role of noblewoman Etrange Rosenberg as she fights to escape Hell and claim it as her own. The game features musical elements and a playable demo.
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is a compilation of the Mega Man Star Force action RPG series.
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YouTube creator Kyle Bosman shares insights on Epic Games and Fortnite’s pricing changes, linking them to broader industry trends, including layoffs and the increasing reliance on AI.
