Monkey Island Creator Ron Gilbert to Go Quiet After Wave of Harassment

You ever hear those stories about toddlers destroying a toy they were given because they didnt like it enough? A large enough collection of people online have done something similar. Following a wave of attacks and harassment, the creator of the Monkey Island games has decided to stop talking about the game entirely.

Lets step back real quick to explain whats going on. Back in April, it was revealed that a new game in the popular point-and-click series would be coming, called Return to Monkey Island. The game would follow the story of the past games, even bringing back some of the original staff. This included Ron Gilbert, the series creator.



Fans of the games will immediately notice that theyve taken up a new art style for this one. Instead of the traditional flash-cartoon style of past games, this one takes up a more blocky, stylized look that sort of reminds us of construction paper cutouts. While were not bothered ourselves, many folks online took offense to the change.

Following the trailer, many cried out that the new art style was bad, ruining the game, and other sorts of interjections. This devolved into general harassment and personal attacks directed at the staff. The issue became so bad that, eventually, Gilbert made a final comment, declaring a silence about the game from hereon out. This comment was then shared by the protagonists voice actor, shaming those that took part in the harassment.

Im shutting down comments. People are just being mean and Im having to delete personal attack comments. Its an amazing game and everyone on the team is very proud of it. Play it or dont okay it but dont ruin it for everyone else. I wont be posting anymore about the game. The joy of sharing has been driven from me.

This is following a post back in May, where Gilbert addressed the art style concern specifically. At the time, he explained that this game is a project of passion from not just him, but from everyone on the team. They wanted to follow that passion, instead of trying to handle the pressure of trying to make the game you want me to make.

The worst part about all of this, to us, is that there are still people who have commented or responded to this simply reinforcing their stances of calling the art style bad. Online gamer culture is already far too saturated with the idea that tantrum throwing and harassment toward developers is acceptable. Frankly speaking, its not.

Theres nothing wrong with not liking a game or an aspect of a game. But if you send hateful messages or comments to developers because of it, then youre a problem and need to reevaluate how you contribute to society. Our sympathies go out Gilbert and the rest of the team. Were sorry that the internet is full of killjoys.