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The harmful effects of review-bombing and bigotry on studios: A case for not succumbing to toxic fanbases


In a surprising move, Sony has pulled the video game ‘Concorde’ just two weeks after its release due to low sales and critical reviews. This decision comes at a time when studio executives are increasingly turning to superfans to stress-test franchise releases. This shift in strategy, as outlined in a recent Variety article, is concerning to many who fear that studios are caving to toxic fandoms that often target projects with diverse or progressive themes.

The trend of toxic fandoms attacking franchises like ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘The Acolyte’ for featuring LGBTQ+ plotlines is well-documented. Studio executives are now reportedly consulting superfans to gauge possible backlash before releasing major projects. This approach raises questions about the impact of giving in to the demands of a vocal minority at the expense of creative freedom and diversity in storytelling.

Criticism is an important aspect of the arts, but when it is rooted in bigotry and aimed at stifling progress, it becomes problematic. The example of ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ is cited as a case where backlash from certain fans led to changes in subsequent installments, despite the film being critically acclaimed for its innovative approach to the franchise.

The fear of upsetting toxic fanbases is leading studios to compromise on artistic integrity and diversity, as seen in the alleged demands from Disney executives to cut gay affectionate moments from Pixar films. This trend reflects a troubling shift towards catering to the views of a narrow, exclusionary group rather than promoting inclusive and progressive storytelling.

Overall, the growing influence of toxic fandoms on studio decisions is a cause for concern among those who value creative freedom and diversity in entertainment. The push to prioritize appeasing a vocal minority over creating innovative and inclusive content threatens to stifle artistic expression and limit the potential for meaningful storytelling.

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Photo credit www.euronews.com

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