Unity CEO John Riccitiello has apologised for calling developers that don’t monetise “f***ing idiots” following massive backlash.
Last week the Unity CEO came under fire (and rightly so) for criticising mobile developers that don’t prioritise monetisation as part of their creative process.
Riccitiello said that only “a very small portion of the gaming industry” doesn’t prioritise monetisation adding that they are some of “the most beautiful and pure, brilliant people,” but are also “some of the biggest f***ing idiots.”
Clickbait and out of context?
Upon realising his very poor choice of words, Riccitiello quickly apologised in a tweet, insisting that his words were used as “clickbait” and taken “out of context” during an interview with PocketGamer.biz.
“Clickbait. Out of full context. Deeply sorry if what I said offended any game dev,” tweeted the backtracking CEO. “I absolutely love the people that make games. Creative, hard work.”
Unity CEO issues a lengthy apology
However, Riccitiello then tweeted a lengthy statement apologising for his words in detail. “I’m going to start with an apology. My word choice was crude. I am sorry. I am listening and I will do better,” tweeted the Unity CEO.
“First – I have great respect for game developers,” began the four-stepped apology. “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’s 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,” he said.
“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.”
Riccitiello concluded by saying: “Anyway, that’s it. Lots of words. And a sentence that I wish I had never said.”
Talk about cursed words!
I mean, god forbid there are some developers that want to make good games whose motivations aren’t to squeeze every last penny out of their customers.
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Featured Image Credit: /Source: Eurogamer via PocketGamer