Dustborn has been quite the hot-button topic as of late. For a game that would seem to have a nonexistent player base, it has managed to stir up quite the controversy over it's funding from governmental bodies and it's blatant anti-American sentiment. Several of the writers that worked on this game are even political activists and have spoken openly about how the 2016 US election inspired the creation of this game.
With that in mind, many critics of this bizarre game have labeled it as an "Antifa training simulator," and it only takes watching a few minutes of gameplay to understand the comparison. With such skills as "Cancel" and "Bully," it is painfully obvious that the intent of this game has always been to agitate and intensify political divisiveness in the United States and beyond.
Now Red Thread Games, the Norwegian studio that developed this horrible excuse for a video game, has issued a statement on X, condemning criticism of this game as nothing more than hate and abuse, while simultaneously locking replies on the post, which would contradict their own statement that they welcome feedback and criticism.
A message from Red Thread to our community. pic.twitter.com/JFOvXSPbn2
— Red Thread Games (@RedThreadGames) August 30, 2024
"We expected Dustborn to spark conversation and debate," Red Thread wrote, "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."
You created a game where the main character tricks police officers into killing each other.
— Tebow (@MinEffPodcast) August 30, 2024
Save your moral grandstanding. Nobody is buying it. https://t.co/HXMkRN90UE
"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."
We want to express our heartfelt support for our partners at Red Thread Games. We stand united against hate in all its forms and are committed to fostering communities built on understanding and respect. https://t.co/U8nzbgJkvz
— Quantic Dream (@Quantic_Dream) August 30, 2024
The publisher of the game, Quantic Dream, has now come to the defense of Red Thread Games, issuing their own statement on X, while also hiding comments by locking the replies. This is not surprising, as we have seen this time and time again from many companies who intentionally provoke outrage but refuse to be held accountable for their own actions.