Lusekofte Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/15/4622252/plague-of-game-dev-harassment-erodes-industry-spurs-support-groups I have encountered this among friends in different forums, the very own flight sim community turning against development of a new game. I did not know this was as serious as this article. But I think we all should think about this
Volkoff Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 (edited) It is a great article. Certainly the United Team does not deserve any harassment. I don't think that EA, CCP, or Bethesda, could work any harder or produce better results. In nine or so months, the United Team has achieved a great deal in an utterly and terribly short period of time. They deserve high praise, as they no doubt work through many weekends and through many sleepless nights to achieve so much, so soon. MJ Edited August 16, 2013 by MishaJames
Jason_Williams Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Yes this happens and has happened to me on multiple occasions. I've had threats of violence as well. Very scary. Jason
Finkeren Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 That's just sad. I've recieved death threats after heated online discussions as well - though I've never had reason to take them seriously. This is not only ugly and terrible, it's also completely ridiculous and unnecessary. HEY GUYS! It's just a game. If you're getting so up in arms, that you feel the need to use (hopefully empty) threats violence over a game, you seriously need to step away from the keyboard, open your windows, take a long breath of air and realise, that there's a real world out there. 1
Zorin Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 But designing games that focus on killing other people is like asking for it. It is these kind of games that attract lunatics, so the developers shouldn't be surprised. I am not saying it is right to harass anyone, certainly not, but they shouldn't act all surprised about it happening either.
Finkeren Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 But designing games that focus on killing other people is like asking for it. It is these kind of games that attract lunatics, so the developers shouldn't be surprised. I am not saying it is right to harass anyone, certainly not, but they shouldn't act all surprised about it happening either. There is propably some truth to what you're saying (though as you say: That's not at all an excuse) but I have seen similar insane behavior in many different games, some of which were entirely non-violent like some chat-room games.
Sgt_Joch Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Agreed. some people take these things much too seriously.
FuriousMeow Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 The new VR kits that are coming out, and peripherals that we use (HOTAS, PS/Xbox controllers, OR, etc) should be medically cleared to allow installation of a tranquilizer. At the first detection of nerd rage (elevated body temperature, rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure, pupil dialation, muscle tension) BAM! Haloperidol straight into the blood stream. 1
Freycinet Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 The harrassment of the Rise of Flight and Cliffs of Dover teams reached levels that clearly indicated pathological issues in some of the people posting their incessant hate towards the sims and their developers. Crazy but true... 1
Ice_Eagle Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Yeah I've seen this behavior also. For example, at an IL2 sight that refers to themselves as SAS, people have been outright banned for defending games like BoS, RoF, & CLoD!
Zmaj76 Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 (edited) The harrassment of the Rise of Flight and Cliffs of Dover teams reached levels that clearly indicated pathological issues in some of the people posting their incessant hate towards the sims and their developers. Crazy but true... Really? All I saw was ppl expressing some valid dissatisfaction how teams dealt with some of the important features of those sims (FM, optimisation, MP abilities, PR etc). I never heard anybody threaten them. Im taling about 777 and former 1C. I do not support any form of aggression towards anyone. BUT, for sure I wont be silent If I see something isnt right. And...I wont make ridiculous suckup fanboy like comments just to gain some acceptance...but will spent hundreds of dollars on their games, contribute (how much i can) and (I hope) spend hours and hours of joy when playing their new games....They are here for us. We are customers. This is business and passion for them and passion and hobby for us. And dont forget, ppl usually post things on internet they wouldnt do or tell anyone in the face because most ppl are not so aggressive, unbehaved or illminded in RL which is pretty diferent than posting on forums. Face to face is what counts for me. Edited August 16, 2013 by Tvrdi 1
Freycinet Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Insisting on an issue until you get a reply from the developers (positive or negative) and then letting go is perfectly fine. Insisting constantly on an issue, long after getting a reply, and explicitly saying that you will keep insisting on it till it is changed is harassment. The developers make choices and cannot please each and every customer. At some point you just have to take what you get or leave it.
SimHog Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 And it's that attitude of entitlement that spurs the growing incidents if online abuse towards developers in general ... "I pay therefore I own you."
Freycinet Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Exactly. Especially when different "I-don´t-take-no-for-an-answer" fans want diametrically opposite things. You can´t please everybody.
Requiem Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 (edited) This behaviour comes with the territory of the internet. Anonymity and no accountability for how you act online brings out the worst in some people. Edited August 16, 2013 by Requiem
Rjel Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 The internet is full of tough guys. It's kind of the high tech version of hiding behind your momma's skirt. I will admit I really enjoy blasting bad guys in a couple of FPS. And I really have no remorse while gunning some AI pilot in his chute. But I do understand the line between reality and whatever game I'm playing. We need to admit to ourselves that there are some really sick people out there playing the exact same games as us who don't. I'd wager there are a few posting on many of the sim boards we all frequent. Absolutely no excuse for threatening anyone online. I was as disgusted by what went on with CoD as anyone. Still I can't see what good any of the bitter feelings from either camp accomplished. You can see the animosity is still bubbling just under the surface for many here. I hope this place continues to be as drama free as it's been so far.
Zmaj76 Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Exactly. Especially when different "I-don´t-take-no-for-an-answer" fans want diametrically opposite things. You can´t please everybody. Yes, but if you indirectly hint your customers that if they continue to support (buying stuff from store, even stuff u wont use) your product, that you will continue to improve it (in any way) - then your obligated to do so. At least as a moral person. To reward their loyalty and devotion. At least its smarter for your future products. You cant make false promises. Both the customers and devs have their responsibilities right? Not just one side.. But I agree that todays gaming industry is both way demanding...devs want to make business and to please everybody and customers are more demanding than ever...
dburne Posted August 16, 2013 Posted August 16, 2013 Wow, this indeed is very, very sad. Folks need to learn how to put things in perspective, there are way more things to get upset over than a computer game. ( Yes, I know this is a sim, but it is still a computer game first).
Bearcat Posted August 17, 2013 Posted August 17, 2013 I did not lock this thread initially and I am not reopening it because of that but just to chime in here using mod privilege. This phenomenon extends to moderators as well.. I have had some pretty personal attacks leveled my way that went a bit beyond the "crime" so to speak over the years on various forums as a member and a moderator. I also know a moderator at UBI who is still there and is actually one of the nicest guitar playing simmers you would ever want to meet and this guy had a stalker for some time over there all because of a post he moderated. I had someone threaten to find me and do me bodily harm there as well, and this for something that I wasn't even involved in. A few of the other mods at UBI have also had t6hinsg get so bad they had to open another email account. I have also seen tiffs develop between community members to the point where accounts had to be closed due to incessant harassment and in some cases the stalker created a new account and continued their same behavior resulting in IP bans. At the end of the day this is what we do for fun and none of it should ever be made personal. We should always be able to address each other as adults and keep it in the perspective of a hobby we engage in. Because of the fact that we are so many and we are all individuals with our own quirks, shortcomings, opinions and mindsets based on where we are and our life's experiences, and we each bring our own unique passion to this thing we all enjoy so much, sometimes we will disagree or have our feathers ruffled but is always good to step back when this happens and remember that none of this is life and death. If anyone has a legitimate serious stake in all this it is the developers. Developers do this to make a living but there has to be an element of passion attached to it as well, especially in this genre. Overall my experiences in this chosen hobby of mine have been very positive and I have made some very good friends over the years and met many wonderful people that I would otherwise never have met. 2
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