Summary
Creative Assembly is banningTotal War: Warhammer 3Steam Forum users who call for boycotts and other “unconstructive” discussions. The new rules came into effect following the controversies aroundTotal War: Warhammer 3’sShadows of ChangeDLC and the recently releasedTotal War: Pharaoh.
The controversies began when Creative Assembly announced that August’sShadows of ChangeDLC would retail at $24.99. Fans and content creators alike felt that the DLC offered too little content for its price point. Fairly or not, a sizable faction of fans had a similarreaction toTotal War: Pharaoh. Many were also angry with Sega and Creative Assembly for spending resources on the canceled shooterHyenasinstead of a new historicalTotal Wargame. Among the backlash to CA’s management of the franchise were the review bombing ofTotal War: Warhammer 3and calls for fans to boycott the game.
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However, those calling for boycotts have been met with bans fromWarhammer 3’s Steam Forum. Creative Assembly recently rolled out a series of new rules governing discussions on the forum. According to the studio, constructive criticisms are welcome, but conversation has recently become increasingly hostile, off-topic, and non-productive.In a now archived post, creative Assembly outlined several things that can lead to moderators getting involved.
TheTotal Wardeveloperoffered further explanation on each of those points and wrapped up the post by saying that it wants to encourage respectful discourse. However, the fact that this crackdown is happening now gives the impression that Creative Assembly is attempting to stifle criticism. Others expressed frustration that the studio claims to still want constructive criticism but makes no apparent effort to act on fan feedback.
Fans were particularly angry with one line that opened with, “The right to discuss is a privilege—it is not an entitlement you earn by playing the game…”WhileTotal Wardeveloper Creative Assemblydoes have the right to decide who is or is not welcome on its forum, the first part of that statement has understandably upset some fans.
These new rules are not empty threats either, as Creative Assembly has banned numerous players fromWarhammer 3’s Steam forums. This included the creator of the popular “New Legendary Lord and Hero Artefacts” mod, which adds over 300 items to the game. Due to the ban, they can no longer update the mod.
However, theWarhammer 3developer is not blind to the pushback from the game’s community. The same day,Creative Assembly Head of Community Adam Freemanmade another post offering apologies and further explanations. Some forum users seem to find the apology acceptable, while others felt it was too little too late or questioned the new post’s honesty and sincerity.
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