After a rash of threats, sexist remarks, and general arse-hattery, Dr Ray Muzyka responds to the outcry.
I really, really like BioWare.
I like the games the company has produced in the past, and I like the games they're producing now. I feel they're pushing gaming into interesting new territories, where emotion and narrative are is important as inventory and stat management. I like that BioWare is an inclusive storyteller - the ability to form relationships in its games that our outside of the societal norm is a breath of fresh of air.
And, right now, I'm loving the company's support for embattled writer, Jennifer Hepler.
She was the target of a storm of hate recently, one that spiralled into shameful display of arrogant, sexist behaviour, because of opinions she shared years ago regarding her views on writing in gaming - views, whether you you like her work or not - that she is perfectly entitled to express.
When the storm broke, we contacted EA for comment on the matter, and we've just heard from Dr Ray Muzyka, CEO at BioWare, and we like what he has to say.
“Jennifer is a valued, talented employee who has been with BioWare for many years and we hope will be with us for many more. It is awful that a few people have decided to make her a target for hate and threats, going so far as fabricating forum posts and attributing them to her, and singling her out for projects to which she has not contributed (i.e., Jennifer is not even a part of the Mass Effect writing team). All of us at BioWare support and will continue to support Jennifer fully, and are happy to see so many people out there are also supporting her during this difficult time.”
Damn straight.
Issue: 137 | June, 2012