The Game Awards 2024 delivered thrilling moments but also faced significant controversies, particularly regarding Naughty Dog and CD Projekt. Accusations of “wokeness” arose from the trailer for Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet, with critics targeting character designs and narratives. CD Projekt’s The Witcher 4 faced backlash for Ciri’s portrayal. Additionally, clumsy product placements in Naughty Dog’s trailer raised eyebrows, prompting calls for more transparency. Fans await further details as the release date remains unannounced.
The Game Awards 2024: A Night of Triumph and Turmoil
The Game Awards 2024 showcased some of the most exciting moments in recent memory, yet it was also marred by a wave of controversies. Beyond the typical narratives involving political and economic conspiracies aimed at the event, the jury, and the outcomes, it’s the games themselves that have come under fire. Surprisingly, the major announcements from industry giants like Naughty Dog and CD Projekt have sparked divided opinions, and the reason is quite intriguing.
Naughty Dog and CD Projekt: Accusations of Being “Woke”
While CD Projekt has managed to avoid significant backlash until now—aside from the notorious launch of Cyberpunk 2077—Naughty Dog has long been a target of controversy, especially regarding its character depictions and narratives perceived as “woke.” Some critics have even labeled it as propaganda. This tension escalated with the release of the trailer for their upcoming title, Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet. Just a few minutes of footage ignited heated discussions, with some fans accusing the game of promoting an “ideology” endorsed by a vocal minority.
Critics point to the protagonist, Jordan A. Mun, a fierce mercenary characterized by her shaved head and striking tattoos. The character closely resembles her voice actress, Tati Gabrielle, known for her roles in popular series like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted. This resemblance has fueled accusations from certain players who deem Gabrielle’s activism and appearance as overly “woke.” Naughty Dog finds itself in a predicament reminiscent of the backlash faced by Sucker Punch regarding the character from Ghost of Yotei. A brief glance at social media reveals the various “arguments” being circulated.
Similarly, CD Projekt is facing scrutiny for The Witcher 4. Some fans claim that Ciri appears too mature and “motherly,” disregarding the narrative timeline between The Witcher 3 and 4. The exact time gap remains unclear, yet this detail seems to escape many critics.
On the other hand, there are players who adopt a more balanced view towards Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet. They express a lack of enthusiasm for the footage shown, stating that the heroine does not connect with them, yet many remain curious about the potential of the game. Given Naughty Dog’s history of exceptional storytelling and attention to detail, longtime fans may find the studio’s new direction both surprising and intriguing.
Product Placements Raising Eyebrows
In addition to character controversies, Naughty Dog is also grappling with another issue—clumsy product placements that have not been well-received. The trailer features several unexpected advertising moments, such as Jordan piloting a sleek Porsche ship, sporting Adidas sneakers, and using retro gear branded by Sony. While including the studio’s parent company logo isn’t inherently problematic, the overt nature of these placements has sparked debates over the appropriateness of advertising in video games.
Amidst the backlash, more discerning fans have urged Naughty Dog to practice transparency and restraint regarding product placements. It’s a valid point, and it remains to be seen whether these placements are merely a temporary feature for the trailer or if they will play a significant role in the final game. For now, fans will have to wait for the official release date, which has yet to be announced.