Transphobes are doxxing Stardew Valley fans after they asked the game developer for pronouns
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Stardew Valley players have recently found themselves embroiled in a controversy surrounding the addition of pronouns to the popular farm-life sim game. The call for inclusivity came from fans who wanted developer Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, to add pronoun options to better represent non-binary players within the game.
The petition, initiated by fan Atmos Fierce, quickly gained traction and garnered over 8,600 signatures from supporters who believed that adding pronouns would make the game more welcoming and inclusive to all players. However, this seemingly innocuous request for representation sparked a wave of abuse and harassment from anti-LGBTQ+ fans of the game.
These detractors targeted streamers and members of the community by purposefully misgendering them, sending abusive messages, and even resorting to doxxing – the act of publicly sharing private information such as home addresses and phone numbers. Transgender streamers, in particular, became the primary targets of this vitriol, with some users issuing threats and warnings for them to “be careful” while playing Stardew Valley amidst the ongoing controversy.
One individual noted the conspicuous silence from Barone in response to the escalating situation, describing it as “deafening.” The lack of a clear statement or action from the developer left many fans feeling frustrated and disappointed, prompting some to call for a boycott of the game until pronouns were added or a formal response was issued.
“I truly do not care if ConcernedApe speaks on pronouns in the game any more,” one user expressed. “I want him to condemn the transphobia and violence against the trans members of the community.” Others echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of addressing the harmful behavior directed towards marginalized members of the Stardew Valley community.
The impact of Barone’s silence extended beyond disgruntled players, as an affiliate for the streaming platform Twitch declared their decision to stop playing Stardew Valley due to the lack of response from the developer. The individual emphasized their discomfort with continuing to engage with the game amidst the distress caused by the ongoing controversy and urged Barone to take a stand against transphobia within the community.
As tensions continue to rise and instances of doxxing and abuse persist, concerned individuals have reached out to Barone for a comment on the matter. The uncertainty surrounding the developer’s stance on pronouns and the escalating hostility within the Stardew Valley community have cast a shadow over what was once a beloved and inclusive gaming environment.
In conclusion, the recent backlash against Stardew Valley fans advocating for pronoun inclusion serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities within gaming spaces. The toxic behavior exhibited by certain individuals highlights the urgent need for developers and communities alike to actively combat discrimination and create safer, more inclusive environments for all players. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Barone will address these issues and whether meaningful steps towards inclusivity will be taken within the Stardew Valley community.
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