We reported prior to the release of Mass Effect 3 that some fans of the franchise were expressing their disdain at the rumours of Ashley Williams being a trans-woman and how these players had turned their hate toward writers and staff behind the multi-million copy selling game.
Now it seems a network has sprung up in place of the bigots behind their computer screens and in a story that first broke on ‘GamesIndustry International‘ a campaign is underway against Electronic Arts, the publishers of the game!
“We ask that you please adhere to your long term policy of omitting and steering clear of this type of advocacy representation in your games”
The company have received thousands of ‘anti-gay’ letters urging the company to retract the option for players to let their characters develop homosexual relationships, you can see the full letter below:
Speaking to GamesIndustry International, VP of corporate communications had this to say:
“Every one of EA’s games includes ESRB content descriptors so it’s hard to believe anyone is surprised by the content. This isn’t about protecting children, it’s about political harassment.”
The letters mention plans to boycott the company and it’s products unless they change their policy on allowing gay options in their storylines.
“It was troubling to learn that BioWare and Electronic Arts were pressured into committing to add LGBT content to Star Wars video games…Please do not include LGBT content in Star Wars video games that will impact so many children.”
In regards to these comments and others in the letters received, Brown replied “EA has not been pressured by any groups to include LGBT characters in our games. However, we have met with LBGT groups and sponsored industry forums to discuss content and harassment of players in online forums. In short, we do put options for same-sex relationships in our games; we don’t tolerate hate speech on our forums.”
What do you think? Has a line been crossed? Are LGBT relationships important in video games? Let us know below!
Editor-in-Chief, part-time super villain and hoarder of cats. If you can’t find me writing, I’m probably in the kitchen!
