Soulash 2 recently released their Family Update, which allows players to start families with their characters in order to create a lasting legacy.
Soulash 2 is a medieval fantasy roguelike RPG that introduces multiple systems to enhance immersion. Shortly after the update was released, a user asked if the creator Artur Smiarowski would consider adding same-sex romance to the game. Smiarowski responded by simply saying that it wasn’t something on his radar but left the possibility open for adding it in the future.
This is my response a week ago. After that response, a weeklong activism campaign engulfed all our community channels.
So I showed my teeth, the oppressive people left, and now we can continue to have fun in peace. pic.twitter.com/dAr2a4B4z5
— Artur (@ArturSmiarowski) August 25, 2024
However the answer prompted what has become a days long harassment campaign against the game, with users review bombing Soulash 2 and claiming that the creator is a “bigot”; this is despite the inclusion of LGBT+ romance being a matter of practicality rather than any statement on the creator’s beliefs. At least one user went as far as to gloat over the potential the developer would effectively be blacklisted from coverage.
“Obey idiot or your business will be ruined. Nobody will cover your games because we’ll all call you a bigot”
This is a prime example of an extremist I don’t want in my community.
Plenty of other groups with gamers of every background who just share their passion for games. pic.twitter.com/kX5KFn3w97
— Artur (@ArturSmiarowski) August 26, 2024
Soulash 2 is available now on Windows PC (via Steam and Itch).
