For people who want to boycott THQNordic and Deep Silver, here are the list of games they are publishing

[LastNac]

These events are fucked up, and beyond horrible.

But to be absolutely honest, threads like this tend to pop up and create a game of morals that I never really care for to be honest. Yes, you can still buy one of these games and have your heart go out to those affected, much like you can still boycott games and that doesn't equate you being the most empathetic person in the world. Let's not us try to evaluate people's ethics just because we are attaching a company to the antics of a monster through another 3rd party forum filled with sickos.

It bothers me that when morals are brought up that civility breaks down. We shouldn't be calling each other "Fucking morons" just because we disagree with each other.

 

[Deleted member 48897]

Pollice has a significant (though I don't know the exact %) stake in the AB holding company. He was absolutely part of that debacle. Unless the rest of the board does a significant shakeup and forces him to, if nothing else, sell off his shares, I'm not prepared to do the whole nuance thing. Not with these stakes.

 

[ThankDougie]

Goddamn, wish I could return my digital copy of Wasteland 2. Fucking gross.

 

[Mesoian]

As I said in other topics Koch Media is also part of THQ.

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Which honestly makes the complete lack of action over this all the more baffling. They have the most to lose out of all of this.

 

[LastNac]

That said, does anyone know if a charitable organization has been set up for the victims and families yet? That's some place I would love to send money to.

 

[Protome]

Well nope, won't be happening from me, and fortunately these "boycotts", will only make up an extremely small percentage of sales, that will probably not even be noticed anyways. Will be forgotten about in weeks anywhoo.

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Nobody is asking you to! This isn't a thread about you! It's completely fine that you're going to buy Shenmue 3/play it anyway. What is not fine is you getting up in arms at people who don't want to. You need to calm down a bit and try to actually understand why people wouldn't want to give THQ Nordic their money and that the harm this causes developers is directly THQ Nordic's fault.

 

[AllMight1]

Well nope, won't be happening from me, and fortunately these "boycotts", will only make up an extremely small percentage of sales, that will probably not even be noticed anyways. Will be forgotten about in weeks anywhoo.



Huh? There's no way I am boycotting Shenmue 3. A game I've campaigned for, for a lot of my life. Gage the highest amount to the Kickstarter to, and will support as much as I can, to secure the future if the franchise.

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Not saying you are. Just complementing your post

 

[Mesoian]

These events are fucked up, and beyond horrible.

But to be absolutely honest, threads like this tend to pop up and create a game of morals that I never really care for to be honest. Yes, you can still buy one of these games and have your heart go out to those affected, much like you can still boycott games and that doesn't equate you being the most empathetic person in the world. Let's not us try to evaluate people's ethics just because we are attaching a company to the antics of a monster through another 3rd party forum filled with sickos.

It bothers me that when morals are brought up that civility breaks down. We shouldn't be calling each other "Fucking morons" just because we disagree with each other.

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I mean here's the thing. You can still partake in buying a game from a company that engages in scummy practices or dabbles in, let's say "less than proper" proclivities while denouncing them. However, if you are doing so, I would expect you to be EXTRA vocal about what they did wrong and why the people responsible need punishment or ousting because you are emotionally AND commercially involved. I bought Persona 5 knowing about the homophobia in Persona 4, but I will always speak up about it and call for a change from the powers that be and I will never, ever, shut up about it.

Lot of people this thread just want it to go away so they can play their video games guilt free, which, if so, fuck off, you're part of the problem.

THQ, it's parent companies and it's subsidiaries should absolutely be branded with the fact that they willingly and eagerly engaged in business with people responsible for the spreading and proliferation of child pornography. If I had my way, any time you went to their store page on any market place, there would be a fat disclaimer remind you before you even see their content.

 

[S1kkZ]

backed shenmue 3 on kickstarter (physical copy), so i am not sure how to handle that. aside from that, i will never buy a thq nordic game again.
oh and all those "poor" developers? none of them have made a statement to condone thq nordics actions. none. i dont expect them to quit their jobs or back-out of a publishing deal. but not even comments or statements? fuck that. its about freaking childporn and terror attacks, for fucks sake.

 

[Driver]

I still think it's pretty lame to not buy games because of this event but to each their own. Remember there are real people with real families that had absolutely nothing to do with this. You can say the publishers are responsible but I disagree, it's you choosing not to buy something because of the actions of a select few. A select few that are getting paid far more than any developers regardless of if you choose to boycott or not.

The devs are the losers here not the assholes actually responsible. And no, developers can't just go on the record saying what they want about their superiors, they have rent/mortgages and families to think about and they shouldn't have to risk that because some asshole higher up decided to do an AMA on 8ch.

 

[Captain Melody]

Well nope, won't be happening from me, and fortunately these "boycotts", will only make up an extremely small percentage of sales, that will probably not even be noticed anyways. Will be forgotten about in weeks anywhoo.

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If you really feel this way, why are you spending so much time shitting on people who decide not to pick the game up?

 

[Bhonar]

I didn't know they own Shenmue 3 and Persona 5

 

[Tarot Deck]

• Pillars of Eternity II (console versions)

What the hell happened to this?

 

[Mesoian]

You can say the publishers are responsible but I disagree, it's you choosing not to buy something because of the actions of a select few.

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Those select few are those in charge.

IN CHARGE. This wasn't some part timer who's views don't represent the company, this was high brass. One of the guys who is absolutely representing the brand and the message of the company. That this happened on that level and nothing was done except a weak apology is a damning mark on EVERYONE who works there and works with them.

Don't forget that.

 

[ianpm31]

I didn't know they own Shenmue 3 and Persona 5

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Sega owns these ips

 

[Skade]

Bummer for The Guild 3 but the rest i don't give a single fuck.

 

[NimbusCub]

I know the head of THQ Nordic (AB?) said a formal investigation was being pushed forward with himself at the helm.

Has there been any concrete updates on that investigation, or is it just speculation that they aren't firing those involved because it hasn't happened yet?

 

[Mesoian]

I know the head of THQ Nordic (AB?) said a formal investigation was being pushed forward with himself at the helm.

Has there been any concrete updates on that investigation, or is it just speculation that they aren't firing those involved because it hasn't happened yet?

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Realistically, we'll hear nothing about it unless they make a decision in the removal of Pollice. Otherwise, things will continue business as usual, which is the problem.

 

[JCG]

If I had my way, any time you went to their store page on any market place, there would be a fat disclaimer remind you before you even see their content.

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I'd agree with that. Unlikely to literally happen, officially speaking, but I think users, journalists and reviewers can do the next best thing by keeping the subject in the public light as long as no real change takes place.

 

[breakYODAy]

I didn't know they own Shenmue 3 and Persona 5

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They don't own them. Deep Silver is the publisher only on these games. Sega owns both. Atlus developed Persona 5 and YsNet, which is an independent studio owned by Yu Suzuki, is developing Shenmue 3.

 

[Driver]

Those select few are those in charge.

IN CHARGE. This wasn't some part timer who's views don't represent the company, this was high brass. One of the guys who is absolutely representing the brand and the message of the company. That this happened on that level and nothing was done except a weak apology is a damning mark on EVERYONE who works there and works with them.

Don't forget that.

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I get it, I just don't think hurting devs by boycotting their game is a good way to get to the high brass. Dude is gonna get a bonus worth multiple employees salaries regardless. If he gets canned he will also likely get a golden parachute. When a game doesn't sell well the developers are the ones who are fired first, not the high brass. I don't know how else to voice your displeasure with what happened but I would just hate to think that I was part of a boycott that caused a studio to shut down, and lots people to lose their jobs, because their publisher is a piece of shit. That's just me though. I understand those who don't want any of their money to go to THQ.

 

[LastNac]

I mean here's the thing. You can still partake in buying a game from a company that engages in scummy practices or dabbles in, let's say "less than proper" proclivities while denouncing them. However, if you are doing so, I would expect you to be EXTRA vocal about what they did wrong and why the people responsible need punishment or ousting because you are emotionally AND commercially involved. I bought Persona 5 knowing about the homophobia in Persona 4, but I will always speak up about it and call for a change from the powers that be and I will never, ever, shut up about it.

Lot of people this thread just want it to go away so they can play their video games guilt free, which, if so, fuck off, you're part of the problem.

THQ, it's parent companies and it's subsidiaries should absolutely be branded with the fact that they willingly and eagerly engaged in business with people responsible for the spreading and proliferation of child pornography. If I had my way, any time you went to their store page on any market place, there would be a fat disclaimer remind you before you even see their content.

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Oh. I believe, without a shadow of a doubt that THQ should drop the hammer. As someone in PR when you fuck up, the company fucks up, and typically the reverse. Guy should have down his research before doing an AMA. Is it a fireable offense? That I don't know, I think it's easy to call for someone's job removal, but having lost a few jobs myself the emotional and mental toll isn't something I would wish upon anyone. Regardless, an apology should have been issued. And I agree, a statement should be issued now separating them from the matter and toxicity of the forums.

 

[Necron]

They are also publishing games like Persona 5, Yakuza Kiwami and Jugement in Europe.

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Oh no.... not_like_this.gif

 

[Clowns]

Goddamn, wish I could return my digital copy of Wasteland 2. Fucking gross.

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I think they're just handling the physical distribution?

 

[Mesoian]

I get it, I just don't think hurting devs by boycotting their game is a good way to get to the high brass. Dude is gonna get a bonus worth multiple employees salaries regardless. If he gets canned he will also get a golden parachute. When you a game doesn't sell well the developers are the ones who are fired first, not the high brass. I don't know how else to voice your displeasure with what happened but I would just hate to think that I was part of a boycott that caused a studio to shut down, and lots people to lose their jobs, because their publisher is a piece of shit. That's just me though. I understand those who don't want any of their money to go to THQ.

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Boycotts work.

Regardless, an apology should have been issued. And I agree, a statement should be issued now separating them from the matter and toxicity of the forums.

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Personally I don't think that's enough. But that's me. I'll just not buy their stuff.

And it's absolutely a fireable offense, people are fired for less everyday. The fact that Pollice still has a job is mindblowing. To fuck up that hard and be given a slap on the wrist is actually insane.

 

[NimbusCub]

Realistically, we'll hear nothing about it unless they make a decision in the removal of Pollice. Otherwise, things will continue business as usual, which is the problem.

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Gotcha. I can understand people not wanting to support the publisher due to a perceived lack of urgency with their response to the issue.

If what was said about Pollice is true (significant share of the company), I wonder what the process of removing him would look like. Would love for Virtual Legality to discuss the issue.

 

[DisturbedSwan]

I'll still get Biomutant, Shenmue 3 and the Sega/Atlus titles.

AFAIK Koch Media also distributes some Codemasters and Square Enix titles in Europe too.

 

[Disclaimer]

I know the head of THQ Nordic (AB?) said a formal investigation was being pushed forward with himself at the helm.

Has there been any concrete updates on that investigation, or is it just speculation that they aren't firing those involved because it hasn't happened yet?

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We don't even know if the investigation is on-going, or if it had concluded before he issued his statement. It was ambiguous.

Speculation is that, regardless of the state of the investigation, it would likely take months to successfully remove those involved from the company, per European employment protections.

 

[Deleted member 5549]

there were 30+ games released in January, but I only bought RE2R. I didn't know how many people I'm hurting every month!

 

[LastNac]

Boycotts work.


Personally I don't think that's enough. But that's me. I'll just not buy their stuff.

And it's absolutely a fireable offense, people are fired for less everyday. The fact that Pollice still has a job is mindblowing. To fuck up that hard and be given a slap on the wrist is actually insane.

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What is enough if I may ask?

And like I said, being stupid is a crime for sure, not gonna defend it. But I have seen so many people's lives destroyed by unemployment that I feel there has to be a better way. Suspension, re-educating with work seminars, etc. Something better than instant termination. As someone who has been in a family situation where the sole provider was laid off, let me tell you, food stamps aren't a blast. More than a slap, for sure, but surely there has to be a way to educate the ignorant without kicking them completely out of class.

 

[Mesoian]

What is enough if I may ask?

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POLLICE
SHOULD
BE
FIRED

Keeping him around, allowing him to retain that position and represent the company is a tacit admission of approval of his actions. This is beyond being stupid. You don't trip into child pornography dealers. Even if you do, the way this played out shows a CLEAR misunderstanding of his duties and an inability to appropriately do his job. He should not be there anymore.

 

[LastNac]

POLLICE
SHOULD
BE
FIRED

Keeping him around, allowing him to retain that position and represent the company is a tacit admission of approval of his actions. This is beyond being stupid. You don't trip into child pornography dealers. Even if you do, the way this played out shows a CLEAR misunderstanding of his duties and an inability to appropriately do his job. He should not be there anymore.

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Was he the one who held the AMA?

 

[Thizzles]

Yea I'm not boycotting a bunch of hardworking devs who had nothing to do with this. The video game industry is hard enough for people as it is. Those higher ups who made this decision will make plenty of money anyways. The only people this boycott will hurt is people who had nothing to do with that decision. But hey have fun guys. Don't come on here bitching later, when those same higher ups lay off a bunch of people and keep pocketing money, saying how you feel bad they all got fired

 

[Deleted member 24907]

there were 30+ games released in January, but I only bought RE2R. I didn't know how many people I'm hurting every month!

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Won't someone PLEASE think of the developers that we literally never thought about prior to the calls for a boycott???

 

[Siresly]

Koch Media is owned by THQ Nordic AB and handles much of the physical distribution in Europe.
Koch Media is not mentioned anywhere on the games they distribute.
All retail/physical copies by the partners listed here, are likely distributed in Europe by Koch Media.
Retailers sometimes have pages like these, detailing all the products associated with a specific company.
Best way to avoid Koch Media is to buy digital.

Coffee Stain is also owned by THQ Nordic AB.
Their upcoming (early access 19th March) game Satisfactory will be available exclusively on the Epic store, so avoid that one doubly.

And these are other subsidiaries to look out for.

Someone's probably posted this list of THQ Nordic games already.
Do note that a bunch are of the Koch Media kind, where it's only physical distribution in Europe. Or worldwide physical, like with Generation Zero.
Generally, digital is fine unless the game is actually published by THQ or a company it owns.

 

[Mesoian]

Was he the one who held the AMA?

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Sorry, not Pollice though...he should probably lose his head for this one too. Brock. Brock should be fired. And yes, he was the one who orchestrated and participated in the AMA.

 

[nillansan]

Well nope, won't be happening from me, and fortunately these "boycotts", will only make up an extremely small percentage of sales, that will probably not even be noticed anyways. Will be forgotten about in weeks anywhoo.

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Fortunately. What a strange choice of word.

 

[Sean]

I was planning on Biomutant and some of the console ports, but I'm hard out of giving anything to THQ or anything related to them unless they actually do something real and fire some people. Thankfully the money from Kickstarting Shenmue III went directly where it needed to go already.

Fuck the chans, fuck THQ, fuck the alt-right. Nazis - go fuck yourselves.

'But mah games' 'but the devs' - irrelevant to the people who were fucking massacred by right-wing trash. I'll spend my money in better places.

 

[TheSaddestSort]

Thanks for putting together the list, it helps me know what to avoid moving forward.

 

[Feep]

Yea I'm not boycotting a bunch of hardworking devs who had nothing to do with this. The video game industry is hard enough for people as it is. Those higher ups who made this decision will make plenty of money anyways. The only people this boycott will hurt is people who had nothing to do with that decision. But hey have fun guys. Don't come on here bitching later, when those same higher ups lay off a bunch of people and keep pocketing money, saying how you feel bad they all got fired

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Hi, I'm a developer and I deeply support boycotting in this case.

Boycotts and worker-related class movement is deeply important for the country and any industry. See: all unions. Your argument is the same tired nonsense used by every anti-union boss in history: "you're just hurting yourselves!"

Collective action inherently has some financial downsides for those involved. But we've decided, as society, that certain things are worth those downsides.

Deep Silver are the ones screwing the developers, not us.

 

[francium87]

Some interesting games on the list, but I'll live.
Plenty of good companies and games out there to spend my money on.

 

[Chainsawkitten]

If you can "hurt the developer" because the publisher decided to use DRM or the publisher decided to publish exclusively on the Epic Games Store, you can "hurt the developer" because the publisher decided to condone child pornography and hate crimes.

 

[Deleted member 34949]

If I backed Shenmue III as soon as the Kickstarter went live, what are the chances that the money went directly to YsNet since Deep Silver wasn't involved yet?

 

[nillansan]

there were 30+ games released in January, but I only bought RE2R. I didn't know how many people I'm hurting every month!

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Why are you hurting the developers though, shove over your hard earned cash as you're obligated to!

 

[VanDoughnut]

I still think it's pretty lame to not buy games because of this event but to each their own. Remember there are real people with real families that had absolutely nothing to do with this. You can say the publishers are responsible but I disagree, it's you choosing not to buy something because of the actions of a select few. A select few that are getting paid far more than any developers regardless of if you choose to boycott or not.

The devs are the losers here not the assholes actually responsible. And no, developers can't just go on the record saying what they want about their superiors, they have rent/mortgages and families to think about and they shouldn't have to risk that because some asshole higher up decided to do an AMA on 8ch.

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Lame how? Some people don't like to give money to a company who'd associate with child porn/white nationalism/terrorism. Those people are within the company and their culture, and they've done nothing about that.

It says a lot about that company culture if that dude still has a job. I'm not giving the benefit of the doubt to people who associate with nazism and worse, that's not stuff we need to be taking lightly or that we can afford to ignore.

Think of the poor devs? People have died from white nationalism. People have suffered from child abuse. Surely you'll think about those victims a bit? This alt right hate shit flourishes because people want to bury their head in the sand.

 

[Conan]

If people continue to use them as a publisher I might consider a boycott, but for deals already signed I'm not going to do things that would also harm the developers that likely have no other option for now. If they continue to use them in the future after this situation, then that is on them.

 

[Thizzles]

Hi, I'm a developer and I deeply support boycotting in this case.

Boycotts and worker-related class movement is deeply important for the country and any industry. See: all unions. Your argument is the same tired nonsense used by every anti-union boss in history: "you're just hurting yourselves!"

Collective action inherently has some financial downsides for those involved. But we've decided, as society, that certain things are worth those downsides.

Deep Silver are the ones screwing the developers, not us.

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Well enjoy your boycott. Last I checked the people who developed metro exodus didn't have anything to do with this. But good luck with whatever you're trying to accomplish. I don't understand the extreme leaps in logic that are being displayed here.

 

[LastNac]

Sorry, not Pollice though...he should probably lose his head for this one too. Brock. Brock should be fired. And yes, he was the one who orchestrated and participated in the AMA.

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Wait, I'm confused, who did what?

 

[Maligna]

If I backed Shenmue III as soon as the Kickstarter went live, what are the chances that the money went directly to YsNet since Deep Silver wasn't involved yet?

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I'd say high. It was a few years (3?) before they got involved.

 

[@ShenmueGuru]

Deep Silver are the ones screwing the developers, not us.

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How so, if you can answer.

Also not arguing here. Every day is a learning day.