Spider-Man PS4 Creative Director Threatened for Peter Parker Changes
This past week, Insomniac Games revealed a variety of new information about both Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales and the remaster of the original Marvel's Spider-Man. As part of those announcements, Insomniac confirmed that it had changed Peter Parker's face. Visual improvements for Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered on the PS5 were cited as the main reason for the change, but regardless of the explanation, many fans reacted negatively. And now, according to Insomniac creative director Bryan Intihar, that negativity has escalated to outright threats.
In a post on Twitter, Intihar tells his fans that he "totally" appreciates their passion. It's clear that Insomniac understands how jarring changing an iconic character like Peter Parker's face is. Responses were inevitably going to be passioned. That said, Intihar goes on to show an example of an unacceptable response. He says that he's been sent a message threatening him for the changes.
Intihar takes the high road, making clear that threats aren't "cool." He further states that, "With what's happening in today's world, let's be a force for good and be respectful to each other." He's likely referring to the ongoing pandemic which has harmed so many, as well as the current political atmosphere in the USA and worldwide that has become so divisive. Basically, Intihar is asking everyone to contribute positivity rather than negativity to the world right now.
After sharing his message on Twitter, Intihar received a wave of support both from fans and from others in the industry. Neil Druckmann, VP at Naughty Dog, replied that he is sorry Intihar has to deal with this. Druckmann's notably made similar comments condemning threats on social media before. Positive messages were also shared by God of War director Cory Barlog, past Spider-Man comic writer Dan Slott, voice actress Laura Bailey, and many others.
Negativity in online gaming community has been a reality for a very long time, unfortunately. But it's a growing trend that the gaming community is starting to come together much more often to condemn threats and harassment, while also offering support to victims. Even Intihar's Twitter message, which shares such an awful threat, is framed in thanks to his fans and the community of Marvel's Spider-Man.
Needless to say, there very clearly won't be any new changes coming to Peter Parker's face in Marvel's Spider-Man, regardless of how angry it appears to have made a scant few. Insomniac almost certainly took the chance because it believed it to be the necessary action to make Marvel's Spider-Man the best it could be on PS5. It's a shame that some aren't willing to see that.
Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales releases November 12.
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