You might be wondering why something like this is being posted on website about indie games? Well, to give us a clear example on how you should definitely not talk to your audience, which only gives a negative backlash to your product. Tati Gabrielle, the lead actor in Naughty Dog’s upcoming game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, has been a central figure in the game’s recent controversies.
Since the game’s announcement and the backlash that followed, Gabrielle has been vocal on social media, often clashing with fans and critics. Her recent comments in an interview have further fueled the fire, suggesting that despite the negative feedback “the haters” will still purchase and enjoy the game.
The game’s initial teaser was met with immediate criticism, much of which was aimed at the character design and Gabrielle’s portrayal. In response, Gabrielle has been seen on social media mocking critics, and her past posts, such as an image captioned “You mad bro” have not been forgotten by the gaming community.
In a recent interview, Gabrielle addressed the backlash, stating that it has motivated her to “go even harder working on the game”. This statement has been met with skepticism from some in the community, who question how a voice and motion-capture actor can “go harder” on a project, suggesting that an actor’s best effort should be a constant, not a response to criticism.
The most controversial part of the interview, however, was her prediction about the game’s reception. “The same people that were hating are gonna play that game, and guess what? They’re gonna love it. So they can be mad”, she said. This comment has been widely perceived as entitled and dismissive of genuine player concerns. Players argue that such a statement demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the gaming community, which is known for its willingness to boycott games and its deep-seated opinions.
This is not the first time Gabrielle has faced public scrutiny over her handling of criticism. She has previously claimed that gamers are racist, sexist, and misogynistic for their critiques, a sentiment that has not been well-received. Neil Druckmann has also commented on the backlash, stating that he is ignoring it and “sticking to his guns”, a stance that many feel is contributing to the negative atmosphere.
The ongoing public relations issues for Intergalactic are a cause for concern, as the game’s initial teaser has left a largely negative impression. With a long development cycle still ahead, the game’s team needs positive press to build momentum. However, the actions and statements of both Gabrielle and Druckmann seem to be having the opposite effect, creating a hostile environment and pushing away potential customers.
