GamesAdventureDustborn devs call out the ‘tidal wave of hate and abuse’ that’s engulfed the game: ‘Those who engage in such behavior will be removed from our community’When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GamesAdventureDustborn devs call out the ‘tidal wave of hate and abuse’ that’s engulfed the game: ‘Those who engage in such behavior will be removed from our community’When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Red Thread Games)

A band in front of a tour bus.

Dustborn developer Red Thread Games has released a statement decrying the “tidal wave of hate and abuse” that has surrounded the studio and game since its release last week.

But it’s also attracted considerable “culture wars” backlash, as seen in various user reviews, YouTube videos, and Reddit threads where you’ll see the word “woke” used a lot. There’s also a not-insignificant amount of glee over Dustborn’s apparently modest launch sales, yet another example of the frankly pathetic eagerness some people have tograve dance on gamesthey don’t like.

“We welcome thoughtful feedback and respectful criticism. We embrace discussion and debate. But we have zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment, and threats of any kind. Those who engage in such behavior will be removed from our community.”

(Image credit: Red Thread Games)

To our community: Since we first announced Dustborn, we’ve read your comments and listened to your feedback, hopes and wishes for the game. Over the past four years, our team has poured their hearts into telling a story that’s deeply meaningful to us; a story about the power of words, about building a w3orld where everyone can feel safe, about love, friendships… and robots, of course. We expected Dustborn to spark conversation and debate, and looked forward to engaging with our players in a positive and constructive fashion. Unfortunately, that conversation has been drowned out by a tidal wave of hate and abuse. We welcome thoughtful feedback and respectful criticism. We embrace discussion and debate. But we have zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment, and threats of any kind. Those who engage in such behavior will be removed from our community. To everyone else: Thank you for coming on this journey with us. Your support means everything, and your constructive feedback continues to push us to learn and evolve. Together, let’s continue building a world where everyone can feel valued and empowered to share their stories.

Dustborn publisher Quantic Dream expressed “heartfelt support” for Red Thread Games in aretweetof the studio’s statement, adding, “We stand united against hate in all its forms and are committed to fostering communities built on understanding and respect.”

In a follow-up statement provided to PC Gamer, Red Thread said Dustborn is a game that “emphasizes the power of words and the importance of building an inclusive society where everyone belongs.”

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Understandably, of course, there are limits to inclusion, and people who insist on being persistent dickholes because a videogame character uses gender-neutral pronouns are going to find themselves on the outside.

If you’re curious about Dustborn—as a game, not a pawn in online culture wars stupidity—but not quite ready to commit, a demo is available onSteam.

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