Think we are about to see another wave.

[Theodric]

I actually didn't know about that previous incident (did know about Blitzchung though). Overall I was already not participating long before even that, before all the controversy I felt they occasionally had some good ideas here and there but in general just didn't have the 'magic' anymore. So it was a 'gamer' for me before it even became a moral one. I still think they occasionally show talent, some of the art in their new areas are pretty pretty, ideas here and there, but I'd also not claim talent is exclusive to a few companies, which is why I try to stay abreast even if it's not a game I'll play just so I can hope and encourage SE to both be unique and itself but also cannibalize and be a bit of a predator (in a good way lol) of the mmo landscape. It's also really helpful to see ideas actually in motion, paper and function can sometimes disagree lol - far more powerful to be like "look this works and is cool" vs "mah brahin sayz cool".

Still think there is a lot of worth in tracking and inspiring by their legacy, and talents that do remain, but it's been relatively easy to not go back when all of this happens. Certainly hurts on a childhood emotion level though, I /loved/ (in the way you'd love a game, not like.. asylum love lol) warcraft 3, and I had a great time with many of their IPs. Many fond memories with LAN starcraft, Diablo 2 parties, etc. . .

Anyway.. "dont you guys have phones?" lol

It's a lot like a certain major movie company to me. I have fond memories of some of the earlier stuff that I watched growing up, but I have no interest giving money to the company in the present day. It's a real shame, though - I like both Western and Eastern style fantasy games and want to partake of a healthy balance of both but it seems like, in recent years, a lot of Western companies are making some questionable decisions. The other controversies are just further baggage added on top of that.

These are indeed probably one of the most friendly forums I've ever been, after 3 weeks navigating here i still haven't seen anyone harassing, insulting or escalating things out of proportion, maybe it happened i dunno, but the fact that i still haven't noticed already means that people here are way more polite and kind that some others are on other places by far.

They're a lot friendlier than other platforms for discussion surrounding FFXIV. Certainly, any major breaches of the terms of service are going to be dealt with whereas the same cannot be said of the abuse hurled at people over on Reddit and Twitter.

With that said, the aggression and hostility takes a more subtle form as a result - and there can be some strange gatekeeping at times. Furthermore, some people just choose to take their beef to third party territory instead.