Slay the Spire 2 had a successful launch earlier this year, reaching a peak of 574,638 concurrent players on Steam. Despite this, the game has recently faced backlash not related to its gameplay or updates. Some players discovered that Anita Sarkeesian, a media critic and video game consultant, was listed in the credits. While this was not a secret, it has sparked negative reviews from players who object to her involvement.
Recent reviews of Slay the Spire 2 on Steam have been mostly negative, with many mentioning Sarkeesian by name. These reviews express concerns about her views on gaming and label her involvement as an « anti-gamer » move. It is worth noting that a previous wave of negative reviews in April was in response to an unpopular update, not Sarkeesian’s involvement.
One review summarized the sentiment by stating, « I got hyped, they released an early access version of it, I wanted to support them, now I learn that they stand with Anita Sarkeesian. I don’t support the toxic woke, I don’t support people who publicly detest video games and those who play them. »
For those unfamiliar with the context, Sarkeesian was a prominent figure in the Gamergate controversy of the 2010s, where she critiqued games from a feminist perspective. This revelation has divided the player base of Slay the Spire 2 and led to a wave of negative feedback. While some of her fellow feminists may disagree with her critique, much of the criticism directed towards Anita Sarkeesian came from those who viewed any feminist analysis of video games as an attack on the gaming community.
Ironically, the individuals expressing the most backlash are the ones allowing their political beliefs to interfere with their enjoyment of a video game. Some of these critics have invested significant time into playing the game, only to suddenly decide they dislike it.
It is unclear what exactly Sarkeesian contributed to the game, as consultants are typically brought on board to provide additional insights. This can range from ensuring sensitivity and diversity in writing and character creation to refining gameplay mechanics. Sarkeesian’s website suggests she assists in various aspects of game design, including helping developers appeal to a broader audience, eliminate problematic dialogue, and create complex, authentic characters.
While there is a valid discussion to be had about the potential impact of being overly cautious in media representation, the positive reception of Slay the Spire 2 suggests that Sarkeesian’s advice did not harm the game. Developer Mega Crit has not yet commented on the controversy.
