Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn strives for exclusion from Sweet Baby Inc Detected list
The game studio Kepler Interactive, developers of Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, has found itself at the center of public attention after its game was included in the Sweet Baby Inc Detected list. This list, curated by Kabrutus on the Steam platform, highlights games associated with the activities of Sweet Baby Inc (SBI), known for its influence on video game content.
Initially, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn featured a black female protagonist, which became a subject of controversy after a new COO associated with SBI joined the team. It was noted that this personnel change was linked to the modification of the character’s race, perceived as an attempt to integrate a specific social agenda.
Following the change in ownership and the dismissal of the said director, representatives from Kepler Interactive announced significant changes in the game, asserting that all elements added at the behest of the previous management had been removed. In response to the developers' request to Kabrutus for removal from the list, he demanded proof of the changes.
As of now, specific evidence of changes in the game has not been presented, resulting in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn remaining on the Sweet Baby Inc Detected list. This situation presents challenges for the studio, as such labeling can affect the game's perception by potential buyers and critics.
Mark Kern, former lead of the World of Warcraft team, also commented on the situation, noting that changes in the game could be seen as an attempt to meet certain social demands. At the same time, there is a general trend of criticism towards game companies for the aggressive incorporation of socially significant agendas, which is sometimes perceived by the community as artificial and unnecessary.
In light of these events, Kepler Interactive faces the task of not only proving the removal of controversial content but also restoring the gaming community's trust. In this context, their request for exclusion from the Sweet Baby Inc Detected list is seen as a step towards rehabilitating the image of both the game and the studio.