The gaming industry has recently unveiled the internal strife at Deck Nine, the studio behind the hit title Life is Strange: True Colors, highlighting the tension between the developer’s inclusive narrative ambitions and the publisher Square Enix’s reluctance to be associated with the game’s LGBTQ+ themes. This dissonance comes as a surprise given the series’ history of critical acclaim for its storytelling and character development. As the latest entry in the franchise, True Colors has been celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of a queer protagonist and its bold exploration of mental health and empathy.
The Life is Strange series has been no stranger to recognition, with its games garnering praise and awards for their nuanced storytelling. From the beginning, the series stood out for its willingness to tackle complex themes, including LGBTQ+ issues. The first game released in 2015, followed by a sequel in 2018 and a prequel in 2017, each developed by Dontnod, before Deck Nine took over with True Colors in 2021. The series has often been lauded by the media and organizations for its sensitive and realistic portrayals of diverse characters, building a reputation as a beacon of progressivity in gaming.
Resistance to LGBTQ+ Content from Square Enix
Despite the game’s acclaim, a recent report sheds light on the resistance from Square Enix to embrace the game’s LGBTQ+ content fully. The publisher exerted considerable influence over the game’s script, steering the narrative away from being labeled as the “gay game.” This pushback is particularly striking given the positive media reception and awards True Colors received, including recognition from Pride as “the must-play queer game of 2021” and an award for Outstanding Video Game from the GLAAD Media Awards.
Deck Nine’s Internal Challenges and Allegations of Toxicity
The challenges for Deck Nine extended beyond creative differences with the publisher. Allegations have surfaced regarding toxicity among the senior developers, managerial indifference, and the presence of racist and Nazi symbols in a new project. Additionally, the studio faced operational difficulties, with layoffs in February reducing its workforce significantly. Despite these hurdles, Deck Nine managed to produce a game that resonated with many and continued to uphold the series’ reputation for meaningful narratives.
Viewpoints from other sources contribute to the broader context of gaming studios grappling with inclusivity. An article from The Verge, titled “The Battle for Diversity in the Game Development Industry,” examines the ongoing challenges that developers face in creating diverse content. Another article, from Kotaku, named “LGBTQ Representation in Games Still Has a Long Way to Go,” provides an insight into the industry’s slow progress toward inclusivity and the obstacles that remain.
Implications for the Reader
Despite facing adversity both internally and from its publisher, Deck Nine’s True Colors stands out as a testament to the studio’s commitment to telling authentic stories. The game’s success and the obstacles overcome during its development serve as a powerful reminder of the impact inclusive storytelling can have in the gaming community. This case also underscores the importance of supporting creative freedom within development teams, particularly when it aligns with progressive values and the demands of a diverse gaming audience. The Discord within Deck Nine serves as a call to action for the industry, highlighting the need for more inclusive practices and a supportive environment for developers to craft games that reflect the diverse experiences of their audience.
