Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, said that gaming enjoyment and current Despair in the world after winning the Andrew Yun Legend Award 12th Annual New York Game Awards on Tuesday night. He also praised creators for exposing “their vision” to the world in “the current culture of criticism and cancellation.” Hogwarts Legacy.
“Our greatest responsibility as world builders is to inspire and invite joy.” Spencer SaidThe veteran executive who spearheaded many of Microsoft’s gaming acquisitions Mine Craft He spoke to Bethesda about what gaming meant to him growing up, and how it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tap into it in the modern world. “Today, seeking pleasure feels like an act of rebellion,” he said.
Spencer continued:
We, all of us here today, all of our teams around the world, are participating in creating this reverberant effect of joy. Our creators who bravely and purposefully release their visions to the world, especially in the current culture of criticism and cancellation. Players who bravely and purposefully devote time to our game, inviting life, rest and rejuvenation. and business leader. We are called upon to have the courage to protect and nurture this collective joy.
CEO of Microsoft Gaming outspoken advocate More Xbox Diverse and Inclusive Power In the world of gaming, words about our “current culture of criticism and cancellation” could be interpreted as an “anti-wake” dog whistle, with more and more developers and players asking gaming companies to hold them accountable to Political Views When ethical shortcomings.
Just last month, Microsoft was in promotion mode for Justin Roiland and Squanch Games’ comedy shooter. high on lifeeven the company interview royland and later hailed the game as max game pass launch this year. But last week it became clear that rick and morty the co-creator was facing 2 felony domestic abuse charges Starting in 2020, and that Squanch Games has settled a sexual harassment lawsuit 1 year ago in 2019.
G/O Media can earn commissions
Up to $100 credit
Samsung Reserve
Reserve the next gen Samsung device
All you need to do is sign up with your email and boom: credit for your preorder on a new Samsung device.
The “culture of cancellation” could just as easily apply to the debate Now rolling out Controversy among some players and content creators about whether they support transgender rights and can still be purchased Hogwarts LegacyDespite J.K. Rowling’s current carry out a crusader Authors still collect royalties from licenses for transgender women not involved in games, impossible to disentangle from the larger Harry potter brand.
One of the game’s voice actors, Sebastian Croft, recently apologized To anyone hurt by the announcement of my involvement in the game. Game developers at Avalanche Software are also trying to distance themselves from Rowling, Transgender option in character creatorthe studio too I broke up with one developer For his YouTube videos including GamerGate support and other controversial views.
Was Spencer intending to raise issues with those who would in some cases convict game creators of association, hinted that game creators could be subject to unfair and dishonest criticism, or whether developers were subject to harassment? It is not clear whether he was referring to being prone to – called fans and players.
And Microsoft isn’t the only company that indirectly benefits from working with Rowling. Hogwarts LegacyThe game will also be available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.