What a wild week for the video game industry. On one hand, we got some exciting news about some of the hottest games of the year including a ton of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate info and a new trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2. On the other hand, many people in the industry were exposed for sketchy behavior. Let’s see what the TSG staff had to say on Twitter with this week’s hot takes.
Toxic work culture suffocates women employees at Riot Games
We can thank the reporting staff at Kotaku for most of the insightful and juicy scoops this week. Cecilia D’Anastasio published a story, almost a year in the making, that explores the sexist culture at Riot Games, developers of the hit game League of Legends. She reports that the culture stifle’s women’s voices and professional growth while sexual harassment is often dismissed if not encouraged. Famed game developer Cliffy B’s hot take on the piece wasn’t too hot at all.
Wow. You read the room with this tweet about as well as you read the market with Lawbreakers. #dailyhottake
— Devin Valdivia (@devinvaldivia) August 8, 2018
New Red Dead Redemption 2 gameplay trailer
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most anticipated games of the year, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is looking forward to it. Here’s an example of our staff completely disagreeing with each other about their excitement.
#RedDeadRedemption2 gameplay looks amazing, but I'm most excited by the communal nature of the Van der Linde gang family. Great set up for a prequel story to one of the best games!#DailyHotTake https://t.co/QBV9nMOtLS
— Evan Maier-Zucchino (@emzsilversound) August 9, 2018
I'm sorry but this still isn't doing it for me. At this point I don't know what could get me hyped for this game. #DailyHotTake https://t.co/G3RsrEkNzi
— Host Marcus (@TopShelfMarcus) August 9, 2018
Filip Miucin plagiarizes his Dead Cells review for IGN
Everyone on the staff is disheartened by this event. IGN’s Nintendo Editor Filip Miucin published a video review for the new indie game Dead Cells by Motion Twin. While the review was glowing, it shared an uncanny resemblance to the review by the Boomstick Gaming YouTube channel posted several days prior. Long story short, Miucin was fired and IGN re-reviewed the game.
Miucin remained silent on the subject until he posted a video response on his personal YouTube channel Friday afternoon with his side of the story. In this video, which has been removed, he did not admit to plagiarism and expressed issues with those who accused him of such things. Many of those willing to give Filip the benefit of the doubt retracted their goodwill after what they considered a piss-poor apology.
Regardless of what the investigation turns up, this is a bad look for IGN and games journalism in general. Hoping the public gets some transparent answers ?#DailyHotTakehttps://t.co/Ym8gyPLahq
— Evan Maier-Zucchino (@emzsilversound) August 7, 2018
While game reviewers tend to use the accepted lexicon when describing games, it is painfully obvious that this piece was stolen when compared. It's a disappointing day for the industry but hopefully it's a lesson learned. #DailyHotTake @IGN https://t.co/LTDiIOc0vI
— Top Shelf Gaming (@TopShelfGaming) August 9, 2018
Fortnite streamer Ninja won’t stream with female gamers
In order to avoid getting caught up in any scandals that would jeopardize his marriage, popular Twitch streamer Ninja explained to Polygon that he has elected not stream with other female streamers. This news has been scandalous in itself with very mixed reactions.
It's refreshing to see a streamer who is concerned about both his platform and marriage. It's just a bummer that once again women have to take the hit for this. His decision creates more barriers for talented female streamers trying to broaden their audience. #DailyHotTake https://t.co/65ecQwgQXA
— Host Marcus (@TopShelfMarcus) August 12, 2018
Nintendo Direct for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ending with some good news, Nintendo gave us over 30 minutes of Smash Bros. info including two new character reveal trailers. Simon and Richter from the Castlevania series and King K. Rool join the already massive roster. Additionally, Nintendo announced many new features for the Ultimate including a staggering amount of stages, songs, and the ability to save custom and default rulesets.
Nintendo is very good at surprising fans. Out of the hundreds of predictions I've seen, I never would have guessed this. #DailyHotTake #SmashDirect https://t.co/GRanKfE9yH
— Host Marcus (@TopShelfMarcus) August 8, 2018
All the new items, Pokemon, and assist trophies in #SmashBrosUltimate make me actually want to play with items on. #DailyHotTake
— Host Marcus (@TopShelfMarcus) August 8, 2018
The #SmashBrosDirect did not disappoint. Everything about this game is incredible. Custom rulesets, King K. Rool, tournament mode, 800+ music tracks, Final Smash Meter, and so much more. This is a game changer. #DailyHotTake
— Top Shelf Gaming (@TopShelfGaming) August 8, 2018
This has been an interesting week for Twitter. Follow us there for more #DailyHotTake.
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