Sony Santa Monica Calls for Respect Following Toxic Behavior - News

Tweet

Sony Santa Monica, the God of War developer, has released a statement on Twitter calling for fans to treat others with respect following toxic behavior.

"Every single person at Santa Monica Studio is working to create a game that we’re proud of, one that we hope you will enjoy playing once released," reads the tweet from Sony Santa Monica.

"Our fans inspire us, and we understand the passion and desire for more information. But that passion should not be toxic nor come at the expense of any human being’s dignity.

"Let’s celebrate our community by treating each other, every game and developer alike, with respect."

The message from Sony Santa Monica follows fans of the game sending a female developer explicit photos and asking her to reveal God of War: Ragnarok's release date.

Creative director Cory Barlog was shocked by what fans were doing and he said, "I cannot believe I even have to say this but don’t fucking send dick pics to ANYONE on this team, or anyone in this industry for that matter. They are busting their ass to make some for you to enjoy. Show some fucking respect."

He added, "The answer is not to find someone to blame or focus hate on. maybe just pay it forward and treat the people that make the things we love with some human decency and respect. this is not a battle, we are not at war. we are just trying to make [and] enjoy things together."

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer responded to Barlog in agreement to what he said. 

"So well said Cory," said Spencer. "Can't wait to enjoy [God of War: Ragnarok] when it comes out. And thanks to you and the team for the amazing work that goes into creating things we love. Thank you."

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

More Articles

17 Comments

Sort by Highest Rated

• Newest
• Oldest
• Highest Rated
• Lowest Rated

SanAndreasX (on 02 July 2022)

Ah, Twitter. The open-air toilet of the Internet.

• +14

Darwinianevolution (on 02 July 2022)

Wait, so the GoW team received dick picks, and then went to Twitter to ask whoever did it to stop doing it? Isn't that what's usually called "feeding the trolls"? If they know they are annoyed by that, it seems unlikely the trolls will stop.

• +9

Comment was deleted...

Darwinianevolution Hiku (on 02 July 2022)

Perhaps, but I feel the only thing this acomplishes is sending a signal to many unrelated trolls that didn't know a thing about it. Thus only making the problem worse. The best remedy against trolls has always been ignoring them fully.

• +5

DonFerrari Darwinianevolution (on 04 July 2022)

Well I don't think trolls would have any doubt dick pictures would be annoying.

• 0

Comment was deleted...

eva01beserk Darwinianevolution (on 02 July 2022)

We need the James Franco meme saying "first time?"

• +4

VAMatt Darwinianevolution (on 03 July 2022)

Yeah, I think there's going to be a lot of dick pics sent to a lot of developers in the next couple of months.

• +7

ConservagameR VAMatt (on 03 July 2022)

Dongs of War.
To end it immediately Cory should have just said, BOOYYY!
Huge miss. Hopefully that's because they really are that focused on the game.

• +1

Spike0503 (on 03 July 2022)

Some people are just crazy. Who cares? There are millions of games out there, hundreds that you'd probably like and haven't played yet. Instead of crying for a release date, find something else to play.

• +5

Azzanation (on 02 July 2022)

Good, take your time with it. Dont be stressed over the ferals on the internet.

• +5

Shatts (on 02 July 2022)

I'm just surprised they have DMs unlocked for anyone to send

• +5

Signalstar (on 02 July 2022)

People are sick...

• +5

Spike0503 Signalstar (on 03 July 2022)

It's a Sick, Sad World as Daria used to put it.

• +4

venomcarnage (on 03 July 2022)

So how does this usually go the fans start sending deaththreats and harrassing the devs and when they respond. It becomes that they are attacking the fanbase and cant take criticism.

• +3

LivncA_Dis3 (on 04 July 2022)

Welcome to the internet it's not new news at all!

Here we go making it a big deal about dick pics hahaha

• +1

DonFerrari (on 04 July 2022)

Fans and trolls can go really low. No need to harass anyone.

• 0