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In case you are behind on events, a firestorm has been brewing in recent days about a new expansion to an age-old classic, “Baldur’s Gate”. The expansion (“Siege of Dragonspear”) has been under construction by Beamdog for the past three years. It essentially bridges the gap between Baldur’s Gate and the original expansion. Nice indeed (or so must of us thought). However, the biggest problem plaguing the vast interwebs about said expansion does not appear the myriad of bugs (both minor and game breaking) and the total lack of functionality in multiplayer. The problem appears to be the overwhelming amount of identity politics being injected into the game itself.

And the response has been overwhelming on both sides to the controversy. Consumers are in full-on attack mode, angry over some of the fundamental character changes that have occurred. From the total rewrite of one character based on one dev’s head cannon, to the first words out of a character’s mouth being “I’m Transgender” in a fantasy setting that has no use for transgenderism (rings, potions, spells that swap your gender seamlessly, no need for transitioning). The changes to the world and setting have been drastic, to say the least. The devs in their myriad of responses have attempted to downplay the shift, though having played through I tend to disagree.

Of course, the response from the other side has been equally as forceful and riddled with accusations. The brunt majority of gaming media that has reported on the controversy is (as seemingly always) painting it as a matter of #GamerGate versus innocent bystanders. Though to proclaim anyone innocent would appear to be fruitless at this point, as the developers took a direct shot at #GamerGate in their game. One could even postulate a coordinated effort in such an endeavor, as to illicit a response from a community widely known for its knee-jerk reactions.

Approaching this from a developer’s standpoint, let’s say I acquired the ability to use the Baldur’s Gate setting. It takes place in Faerun, a historical D&D Setting of the Forgotten Realms. It is widely and well-known to D&D Enthusiasts and casual geeks everywhere. And it’s a safe bet, we’d do pretty good sales based on anything we did. However, our sales would generally be constricted to that very user base (as that´s the user base that knows, loves and appreciates Baldur’s Gate). So, how can we stir up NEW business though? And how can we get our game on the front-page of all those awesome, reputable gaming journalism websites like Kotaku? Perhaps if we have some controversy, with say, #GamerGate, that works well with everyone else. Sprinkle an attack line in here, has a developer interview saying “I don’t care what the fans think, they just have to deal with it.” Over there, and we have a winning formula for controversy.

I own the expansion; I’ve played some of it. And “Siege of Dragonspear” simply doesn’t feel like Baldur’s Gate to me, identity politics aside. The writing is sub-par, and the implementation is awful (whole sections of the map are just black). As far as I am concerned it’s nothing more than a cash grab mixed with a narrative push, nothing more. In other words, it´s simply not a piece of “Baldur’s Gate lore” (the overall lack of quality). And in my opinion, BG Siege of Dragonspear” is a stain on an otherwise good franchise.

And as a game developer, I don’t think I could (in good conscience) put out a product like this. As it’s simply too buggy, too riddled with politics and negativity, and too far from the original IP. As a consumer, I strongly regret my purchase. And if I could refund it, I would. I don’t like being pandered to, and I really don’t like people injecting identity politics into IP’s that I love. Please, as a developer. I beseech other developers to take heed. Create your own IP if you want to inject your politics into it. Don’t attempt to take someone else’s IP (s) and bend it to your will. I wouldn’t take “Street Fighter” and make it about hating socialism (my own personal views). Therefore, I ask that you (dear game developers of the world) don’t take games I love and make them about your political views. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

So, with that said. What´s your take on this matter? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!

Credit:

Senator Armstrong

Hom-Ru-Beoulve

LunarArchivist

Netscape

Robin Ek – Editor

Source:

Liam Esler (LGBT activist and lead writer for Beamdog´s “Siege of Dragonspear”)

Jinx (a trans person´s response to Beamdog)

My thoughts on Mizhena as a transgender person myself (by splatypus)

Boogie2988

Eurogamer

Writatrix

Steam

Kotaku

***Disclaimer***

This is a personal opinion of the writer, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the other writers (nor The Gaming Ground´s) opinions.



Kain Tepes

The Gaming Ground

Twitter: @Kain_Tepes

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Tags: Baldur´s Gate, Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear, Baldur’s Gate debacle, Beamdog, Siege of Dragonspear