Sweet Baby Inc. Gaming Narratives EXPOSED

Sure, Jan.

Alright it's time I finally cover this elephant in the room. This situation goes well beyond graphics and gameplay, touching the very soul of narrative and character development. It's a shift that encapsulates diversity and inclusion, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Amidst this evolution, questions arise about authenticity and intention, particularly around a key player in this narrative shift: Sweet Baby Inc.

Sweet Baby Inc. is a narrative consultation firm from Montreal, priding itself (get it?) on diversifying and enriching video game storytelling. Their portfolio boasts involvement in several high-profile projects, from indie darlings to blockbuster titans. But as their influence grows, so does the scrutiny, especially regarding their recent actions that seem at odds with their mission: attempting to shut down a Steam page documenting their involvement in various games.

Their employees are a tad... extreme.

This move has sparked a debate that cuts to the core of the modern gaming dilemma. On one side, Sweet Baby Inc.’s efforts in promoting diversity and empathy in gaming narratives could potentially be commendable and necessary for industry growth, in the right light... But we all know better (at least, I HOPE we do). Their attempt to control information and suppress transparency raises eyebrows, especially against the backdrop of their "open" and "inclusive" narrative. Funny how fast contradictions appear when there's an agenda behind something.

It's ok to do and say whatever you want. Right?

There are now controversies surrounding race swaps and character redesigns in titles like "God of War: Ragnarok" and "Alan Wake 2", highlighting a broader issue.

They are big mad at this steam group

It's one thing to advocate for diversity; it's another to impose changes that feel out of sync with established lore or historical contexts, especially when done under the banner of corporate ESG mandates from giants like BlackRock and Vanguard... Which... is a beast of a conversation in itself...

The gaming community often welcomes diversity with open arms, but the problem comes in when inauthenticity or forced narratives enter the chat. The backlash isn't against the concept of inclusion, but against what many see as disingenuous execution. Sweet Baby Inc.'s influence, while supposedly aimed at enhancing narratives, seems to appear to fans more as a mask, covering up the idea of genuine representation.

The recent controversy over Sweet Baby Inc.’s attempt to silence the Steam page adds a layer of complexity. The employees at Sweet Baby Inc are... let's be nice and say, far from logical. Just a quick look through some of their aggressive tweets changes whatever 'mission statement' they try to hide behind.

The actions contradict the essence of open dialogue and transparency, pillars upon which genuine progress in diversity and inclusion should stand. By trying to control the narrative to this extent, Sweet Baby Inc. now fuels skepticism about their intentions and the authenticity of their advocacy.

In gaming, storytelling isn't just a backdrop; it's an immersive experience that draws players into the heart of its universe. When external influences like Sweet Baby Inc. step in, the balance between creative freedom and narrative consultation is delicate. Some would argue if it's even necessary. Based of the funding sources behind it, a much greater question arises.

The company's role, ideally, should be to guide and enrich storytelling, not dictate it.

The reaction to Sweet Baby Inc.'s attempts to manage public perception highlights a critical point: the gaming community values transparency and authenticity. Something this company clearly lacks. Players want to understand the influences behind their favorite games, and they want diversity to be a natural part of storytelling, not a checkbox for corporate interests.

While Sweet Baby Inc.’s mission to diversify gaming narratives could be considered commendable - if done right, the methods and transparency of their approach warrant far more scrutiny. The essence of storytelling in gaming hinges on authenticity, respect for diverse voices, and the organic integration of new perspectives.

Of course Kotaku joins the cause.

This all begs the question - Are narrative consultants even necessary?

Developers and publishers must engage with these challenges openly, ensuring that any "push" for diversity enriches gaming without compromising the integrity or alienating the community they aim to serve.

~Smash