RuneScape administrator claims to have canceled Pride events to maintain a politically neutral environment, a stance that seems ironically non-neutral.
In a controversial move, Jagex, the developer behind the popular MMORPGs RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, has decided to scale back Pride Month celebrations this year. According to an article written by Joshua Wolens, this decision has sparked ire among some players and raised questions about the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Jon Bellamy, the CEO of Jagex, who was appointed in March, defended his decision in a chat with GamesIndustry.biz. Bellamy stated that his job is governance and protection, and sometimes harsh decisions have to be made to protect the imminent future of the game. He implied that RuneScape could potentially return to hosting big Pride events if there is a reversal in the political winds.
The accusation was regarding the dramatic scaling back of Pride Month celebrations in both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape. Some RuneScape players responded with a "No gay, no pay" protest campaign. An anonymous employee accused Bellamy of kowtowing to the Trump administration's assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Bellamy, however, maintains that his priority is to operate Jagex's games as apolitically as possible. He acknowledges that hosting Pride events is not apolitical, but he emphasizes that the continuity and operation of their games are his top priority.
The article also questions how LGBT players of RuneScape feel about their escapism in the game, given the decision to scale back Pride Month celebrations. Bellamy, in response, said that if the world has changed and the environment is different, they will react accordingly. He suggested that many companies are choosing a quiet life rather than fighting back against the social progress of the last couple of decades.
Joshua Wolens, a writer with features in Vice, Fanbyte, and the Financial Times, has written extensively on various games, with a particular love for CRPGs, immersive sims, and games with ambitious goals. In the article, he explores the implications of Jagex's decision and its potential impact on the gaming community.
Bellamy stands by his decision and suggested he may make the same choice for next year's Pride Month. He believes that tough decisions have to be made to ensure the longevity of their games. As the debate continues, players and the gaming community wait to see how Jagex will navigate these complex issues in the future.
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