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The developer behind Yooka-Laylee, a Kickstarter-funded spiritual successor to the beloved Banjo-Kazooie series plans to remove the Youtuber Jontron (Jon Jafari) from the game's cast of voice actors via a Day 1 update after his recent series controversial tweets regarding ethnic minorities in America. Jontron was always a big, vocal fan of the series and was invited to collaborate on the project back in February 2015. Many might say that he was pivotal in reviving the interest in Banjo-Kazooie through his content, both on Game Grumps and his own Youtube channel. Playtonic explained their position in an interview with Gameindustry.biz:

"We recently became aware of comments made by voice artist JonTron after development on Yooka-Laylee had been completed (...) JonTron is a talented video presenter who we were initially, two years ago, happy to include as a voice contributor in our game. However, in light of his recent personal viewpoints we have made the decision to remove JonTron's inclusion in the game via a forthcoming content update. We would like to make absolutely clear that we do not endorse or support JonTron's personal viewpoints and that, as an external fan contributor, he does not represent Playtonic in any capacity. Playtonic is a studio that celebrates diversity in all forms and strives to make games that everyone can enjoy. As such, we deeply regret any implied association that could make players feel anything but 100% comfortable in our game worlds, or distract from the incredible goodwill and love shown by our fans and Kickstarter backers."

This recent development in the Jontron controversy raises an important question regarding Free Speech. I can fully understand Playtonic's position - they're distancing themselves from Jontron in order to prevent any damage to their brand. On the other hand, one could argue that Jontron is free to voice his views on his own platform and shouldn't be penalised for them elsewhere.

Naturally this is a very controversial issue, so I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the matter. What's your opinion? Tell us in comments below!

Update: Jontron acknowledged the decision via his Twitter and although he finds it unfortunate, he understands it and wishes the developers a successful launch.

"Unfortunate to see Playtonic remove me from Yooka Laylee, but I understand their decision. I wish them the best with their launch!"

~https://www.twitter.com/JonTronShow/status/845038284967493638

Source (Gameindustry.biz)

 

[Foxi4]

I've come to this thread because I like JonTron's content and actually agree with the guy on his views...

(He basically says white people want to remain the majority in a country where the majority rules - it's not "wrong" or "racist", it's obvious self-preservation)

...but I stayed for Foxi4's posts. That's a fellow Pole I can get behind. Not 100% behind, but about 85% behind, which is still a lot in Internet discussion terms.

You're too kind. As a side note, I love when people try to explain to me what fascism is. Our country was under Nazi occupation, we've got a bit of experience in the subject. We know it when we see it.

 

[Subtle Demise]

I've read some of the stuff he apparently said and didn't see anything that was truly offensive. It's not like he said " Those fags and niggers are ruining this country" like I see a lot of hillbillies spouting around here.

Edit: by "around here" I mean in the US.

 

[LoganK93]

Why is this guys voice such a major selling point for so many people?

 

[LuxerWap]

I don't fully know the guy, but I have seen him on Game Grumps and one episode of his show.

But what I do know is that he has fans and you know it's not gonna be pretty with Playtonic.

But removing him because they disagreed to his tweet is really questionable.

 

[LoganK93]

I don't fully know the guy, but I have seen him on Game Grumps and one episode of his show.

But what I do know is that he has fans and you know it's not gonna be pretty with Playtonic.

But removing him because they disagreed to his tweet is really questionable.

I see it the same as say, working for McDonalds. If you post something to your social media account that can make the company look bad while employed by them, if anything on your page, be it you in uniform or something saying or doing something that doesn't fit the "corporate image" you can be fired. The general public sees employees as representative of companies as a whole. How often do you hear people get angry at individual workers? Not often. Usually the entire corporation gets lumped together.

Now I understand Playtonics decision, seeing as they are a VERY new company, they can't afford to piss that many people off. It could mean a lack of sales and no interest from many members of the gaming community, as well as other companies.

 

[LuxerWap]

Now, people are being overly dramatic about it.

"They removed Jon?! I'M NOT BUYING THIS GAME!!!" "Bring back JonTron!"

Really? Because of that?

But seriously, what did he say? I'm trying to search through his tweets.

 

[StarTrekVoyager]

So they liked his voice acting, but not after it turns out he has some unpleasant opinions. That's like firing your IT guy after you find out he likes Lucky Charms.

Nope. That's like firing your IT guy after finding out he started a scandal. The company obviously wants to avoid the drama that could happen from the said PC people if he had been kept in the cast.

 

[Elrinth]

Youtube better remove all his videos to avoid a scandal... Also the bankers should remove him as a customer to avoid a scandal. Also his mom should denounce him being her son to avoid a scandal. Also he should just vanish from existence to avoid a scandal.

O wait... It's not that big of a deal.

Personally a message to say they don't share his opinions would have been enough. But going the way to remove him from the game wasn't so smart of them.

 

[Nollog]

Nope. That's lmike firing your IT guy after finding out he started a scandal. The company obviously wants to avoid the drama that could happen from the said PC people if he had been kept in the cast.

Do sjw's actually buy games though?

 

[StarTrekVoyager]

Do sjw's actually buy games though?

^
I don't know what an 'SJW' is.

 

[UltraHurricane]

It's not enough that Symmetra is an ethnic minority, she must also has autism. It's not enough that Tracer is an independent woman and poster girl for the game, she must necessarily be a lesbian. I'm unironically waiting for them to announce that the Russian chick is transgender - it really wouldn't shock me.

so what? you think only white people can be autistic or transgender now?

if it's done right and makes for interesting characters why the fuck should that bother you? you keep saying you're ok with diversity but you're so hostile by the very idea of a poc character being autistic or transgender (these people do exist btw) that i have a hard time believing you do

seriously, what the fuck is acceptable diversity to you? cause i honestly don't feel like your criteria is something that would be satisfying or even acceptable to people that aren't like you

Putting this specific moment aside. Should people really be tolerant or open-minded to intolerance?

Yes, because they're people and they deserve the exact same protections as everybody else.

of course they do, but you only think we should be accepting of intolerant people cause likely you're never been the target of said intolerance, if we really want to treat them fairly, they should not be absolved of criticism if the ideas they project are bigoted and harmful, if they're gonna be brazen enough say that, they should nut up and take all the shit that comes their way

do i need to bring up the Karl Popper quote again? i feel like you just ignored it

 

[Nollog]

^
I don't know what an 'SJW' is.

But you change my sjw to SJW?

How strange.

 

[StarTrekVoyager]

But you change my sjw to SJW?

How strange.

What? I don't understand what you are talking about, seriously...

 

[sarkwalvein]

But you change my sjw to SJW?

How strange.

LOL... well perhaps he really doesn't know what is a Social Justice Warrior.
Benefit of the doubt.

 

[LoganK93]

Youtube better remove all his videos to avoid a scandal... Also the bankers should remove him as a customer to avoid a scandal. Also his mom should denounce him being her son to avoid a scandal. Also he should just vanish from existence to avoid a scandal.

O wait... It's not that big of a deal.

Personally a message to say they don't share his opinions would have been enough. But going the way to remove him from the game wasn't so smart of them.

YouTube is a public forum, for the most part. He is not an employee of YouTube. He is not representing YouTube. His voice being in this game was a partnership. The owners of the company have every right to decide they don't want someone like that representing them.

 

[StarTrekVoyager]

LOL... well perhaps he really doesn't know what is a Social Justice Warrior.
Benefit of the doubt.

Thank you. So yeah, SJWs semm to ressemble syndicalists & communists we have in France. I hate these people. Really.

 

[MaskedMarvel]

Am I the only one who doesn't give anything even remotely resembling a shit about "youtubers"?

 

[SnakeOil992]

Political correctness can go fuck itself. I am not a racist, but I can see where all races are wrong in different aspects(including whites, they are far from perfect). And I can see how illegal immigration can harm a country's economy. When SJWs take over, remember Jon's words and you'll think he was right. I don't think some have the slightest idea of the true definition of racism and discrimination.

 

[eworm]

LOL... well perhaps he really doesn't know what is a Social Justice Warrior.
Benefit of the doubt.

Dear Diary,
Today I have learned a new Internet term.
I also found that it's weirdly unbelievable for many people that I could NOT know it.

but you only think we should be accepting of intolerant people cause likely you're never been the target of said intolerance

Don't make assumptions.

 

[UltraHurricane]

Don't make assumptions.

gosh golly! sorry for putting two-and-two together and assuming that people who think bigotry is acceptable are people that have probably never experienced it first-hand, or have witnessed it but lack the empathy to understand the effects it has others and why it's a problem that still persists in today's society