Abubakar Salim Announces Lower Price for Tales of Kenzera to Combat Harassment
Abubakar Salim, the founder of Surgent Studios and creative director of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, has taken a powerful stance against the harassment that he and his studio have been facing since the game’s release in April. In a video posted on social media, Salim shares his experiences and addresses the ongoing issue of diversity being targeted and seen as a threat.
Salim, also known for his acting roles in popular series like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Raised by Wolves, explains that while he can brush off some comments, the constant barrage of harassment becomes exhausting. He mentions that Tales of Kenzera in particular has been caught up in ongoing harassment campaigns against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the gaming industry.
Instead of succumbing to the negativity, Salim chooses to take a proactive approach. He emphasizes that diversity should not be seen as a reason for exclusion but rather an opportunity to include and embrace different perspectives. To demonstrate his commitment to this belief, Salim announces a significant price reduction for Tales of Kenzera. The game, initially priced at $20, will now be available for less than $15 on the Nintendo Switch.
Salim expresses gratitude to Nintendo for their quick response and announces plans to extend the discount to all platforms. He believes that by making the game more accessible, he can send a powerful message that diverse games are for everyone and should be celebrated.
The gaming industry has seen a rise in harassment on social media platforms, particularly targeting marginalized developers and diversity initiatives. In response, the International Game Developers Association (IDGA) issued a statement expressing concern and support for those affected. Salim’s statement aligns with the IDGA’s stance and highlights the importance of personal stories that uplift and empower marginalized communities.
Salim concludes his video by encouraging other developers to continue sharing their personal narratives and setting an example for future generations. He acknowledges the impact of their work and urges them to keep pushing forward.
The decision to lower the price of Tales of Kenzera reflects Salim’s commitment to combating harassment and making the game accessible to a wider audience. It is a testament to his dedication to inclusivity and his belief that there is room for all in the world of gaming.
Additional relevant facts:
1. Abubakar Salim is not only the founder of Surgent Studios and creative director of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, but he is also the voice actor for the main character in the game.
2. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an action-adventure game set in a mythical African world, featuring diverse characters inspired by African folklore and mythology.
3. The game received positive reviews for its unique storytelling and representation of African culture, garnering praise for its immersive gameplay and stunning visuals.
4. The price reduction for Tales of Kenzera is not just a temporary discount, but a permanent change to make the game more affordable for players.
Most important questions and answers:
Q: What is the purpose of Abubakar Salim’s video addressing harassment?
A: The purpose of the video is to raise awareness about the ongoing harassment faced by Salim and his studio due to the game’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
Q: How is Salim combatting harassment?
A: Salim is combatting harassment by taking a proactive approach and lowering the price of Tales of Kenzera to make it more accessible and send a message that diverse games should be celebrated.
Key challenges or controversies:
One key challenge or controversy associated with the topic is the persistent harassment faced by Salim and his studio. The targeted harassment campaigns against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the gaming industry highlight the ongoing challenges of creating inclusive and representative spaces.
Advantages:
1. Lowering the price of Tales of Kenzera makes the game more affordable, opening up access to a wider audience, including those who may have been previously deterred by the higher price point.
2. The price reduction sends a powerful message of inclusivity and demonstrates Salim’s commitment to combating harassment and supporting diversity initiatives in the gaming industry.
Disadvantages:
1. Lowering the price of the game may lead to potential financial implications for the studio, as they might earn less revenue from each sale.
2. While lowering the price makes the game more accessible, it may not completely eliminate harassment or change the mindset of those engaging in it, as some individuals may continue to target diversity initiatives despite the reduced price.
Suggested related link:
– International Game Developers Association
The source of the article is from the blog yanoticias.es