Boyfriend Dungeon Updating Content Warning Following Backlash

Kitfox games‘The dungeon crawl encounter simulation already comes with an Initial Content Warning (CW) letting players know the game will cover darker topics, but it doesn’t tell players exactly what’s in store for them anymore. late in the game. This lack of specificity led to a backlash among some players and an announcement from the studio to update the game with a more comprehensive disclaimer.

Friends dungeon‘s trailers Present it as a playful dungeon robot where romantic partners can transform into weapons you can wield during battle. But without going into spoilers, he also delves into issues around personal boundaries and consent via one of his main antagonists. “This game can include references to unwanted breakthroughs, stalking, and other forms of emotional manipulation. Play with caution, ”the current content disclaimer reads.

Some read The CW and thought that meant the sensitive topics mentioned could be substantive details, or avoidable in some way or another, given the light tone of the marketing materials leading up to the release. In reality, themes are a big part of the game’s history, which has led to some discord within the fandom. Victims of similar trauma say making things like stalking a central part of the game makes it difficult to engage, especially since some bought it without expecting this part of the narrative.

“The content warning for Friends dungeon inadequately describes the stalking and emotional manipulation events that exist in history ”, Kitfox Games wrote on Twitter during the weekend. “We will update the game next week with a more accurate CW. We apologize for any harm caused by our error. Thanks for playing! “

While some people have called for the game to be more candid and transparent about the themes it covers, including any storefront that sells it, while others have argued that the content around emotional manipulation should be totally optional. It sparked discussions on social media throughout the weekend about artistic freedom and the extent of personal responsibility when it comes to deciding how to engage in potentially life-changing storylines. She also raised questions about the expectations held by marginalized creators compared to those whose artistic freedom is never questioned.

“I am REALLY thankful that although there is a passionate talk about real issues, no one is harassing me or Kitfox!” Wow! Hooray! “Kitfox co-founder Tanya X. Short wrote on Twitter over the weekend.” But also, I would like you to be kinder to each other, please. empathy; recognize needs; respect. “

Released August 11 on Xbox, Switch and PC, Friends dungeon was originally released in 2018 as a queer romance game that would allow players to engage in all types of relationships. “I think inclusiveness is important in every game … but especially in games about love and the bonds we forge with other people,” said Short. in a 2017 interview about the game. “True love is always inclusive.”