Current Unity CEO and former CEO of EA, John Riccitiello, apologized for calling game developers who don’t focus on monetization early in the creative process some of the “biggest f-ing idiots.”
On Twitter, Riccitiello shared the apology and offered clarification on his comments in which he called said devs the “most beautiful and pure, brilliant people…[and] some of the biggest f-ing idiots.”
In a follow-up tweet, Riccitiello wrote: “I want to talk about both what I said in the interview, and my follow up tweet. I’m going to start with an apology. My word choice was crude. I am sorry. I am listening and I will do better.
“What I can do, perhaps, is provide more on what I was thinking when I did the interview. What I would have said if I had taken great care.
“First — I have great respect for game developers. The work they do is amazing. The creativity can be incredible whether on a AAA console, mobile or indie game, designed to be played by millions. Or a creative project, a game made just for the sheer joy of it.
“Second — one thing I have seen is that most game devs work incredibly hard and want people to play their game. To enjoy it. And, when appropriate for players to engage deeply. For the game devs I have worked most closely with there is often anxiety about whether players will love the game and appreciate all the work and love that went into making it.
“Third — Sometimes all a game developer wants is to have a handful of friends enjoy the game. Art for art sake and art for friends. Others want player $ to buy the game or game items so they can make a living. Both of these motivations are noble.
“Fourth — What I was trying to say, and clearly failed at saying, is that there are better ways for game developers to get an early read on what players think of their game. To learn from their feedback. And, if the developer wants, to adjust the game based on this feedback. It’s a choice to listen and act or just to listen. Again, both are very valid choices.
“If I had been smarter in choosing my words I would have just said this… we are working to provide developers with tools so they can better understand what their players think, and it is up to them to act or not, based on this feedback.
“Anyway, that’s it. Lots of words. And a sentence that I wish I had never said.”
Riccitiello’s initial comments was very negatively received. Last Night dev Tim Sore even tweeted that Riccitiello was “destroying the Unity we all loved.”
Monetization in video games has been a controversial topic for a long time, with players divided on if microtransactions are ethical in the gaming world. However, it doesn’t seem like developers and major companies are braking on the monetization train anytime soon as new games continue to bring in major profits every day.
Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to always stay in the loop.
Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
