Escapist publication, Derek Smart and Star Citizen community
Escapist publication, Derek Smart and Star Citizen community
Recently, a piece of writing appeared (part of a series on defamation) targeting Chris Roberts and his project. Before diving in, here’s a clear summary of the situation: The article in question draws heavily from content posted by an individual named Derek Smart, whose posts often criticize Star Citizen and other projects. Most of the harsh language and statements seem copied directly from his blog, Twitter, and other platforms. Notably, claims about Glassdoor Australia were taken verbatim, which is unusual for reputable sources. A detailed rebuttal from Chris Roberts was shared on the RSI site, while the official response came from Derek Smart himself. It’s worth noting that Smart frequently collaborates with others who also challenge other companies and their creations, often without solid evidence. His past actions include lawsuits alleging intellectual property similarities between his games and those of others—claims that were later dismissed in court. Despite being labeled an independent developer, many of his titles have struggled commercially or received negative reception. The article’s author insists on using “verified” sources, but the lack of concrete proof raises serious questions about its credibility. If genuine concerns exist, the writer should address them openly rather than remain anonymous. Overall, this appears to be an example of unsubstantiated accusations and questionable reporting.
Well crafted, it’s definitely worth including details about Gamergate and the community.
I think Chris Roberts alluded to a possible lawsuit by Derek Smart in his rebuttal, though I might have misunderstood. Regarding the Forbes piece, I found it interesting but cautious about jumping to conclusions given the context and past tensions. It seems important to confirm claims with evidence before accepting them. Sources and accusations need backing, not just assumptions. I should also note his known bias and how he reacts to criticism from certain groups. My take on the Elite: Dangerous comment was a bit lighthearted, but it doesn’t match the scope of the game. Generally, Forbes tends to be more reliable than this.
It’s mainly because Star Citizen is very popular that targeting it sparks a lot of debate and clicks, which in turn boost ad revenue. Personally, I don’t care if the details are wrong—they just aim to get a share. The real issue is that excessive negative feedback can tarnish the game’s reputation, making people think it’s bad regardless of accuracy. Unfortunately, this will persist until the full release and all planned features are available. Many users are frustrated because this fresh strategy is proving so effective, putting their income and jobs at risk.
Didn't see the Forbes piece, but I'll add links to articles for you. Just in case people check them out before CCon—those posts might get noticed too. August 2014 https://www.facebook.com/dereksmart3000a...7471632679 June 2014 http://www.tentonhammer.com/news/derek-s...marts-game A solid interview with DS http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/14/355362...erek-smart
The Forbes article didn’t quite live up to expectations. Reddit users also uncovered several very recent comments on Glassdoor that echoed claims made in the escapee article.
It looks like everything here is very favorable for those opposing SC. Those comments were shared in just a week and discussed immediately afterward...
They provide solid reporting: http://guardfrequency.com (skip the whiskey part). My main concern about the piece is that as a supporter I don’t grasp the full extent of the harm (if it’s real). It could be about Wingman, but it might also reflect a frustrated employee who left because they didn’t get a new broom—using strong words to emphasize my point. As supporters we’re crucial; without us, the story changes. If the big IF holds and things are heading down, I’m on board.
I don't really find GG mentioned anywhere in this discussion. Perhaps it's because I'm not clear on what people unfamiliar with SC's progress are telling me to throw around nonsense. My main concern is the possible harm these critics could do to SC, more than any of their words. I'd like to share a fitting Spanish saying for The Escapist's references—something like: "Un mentiroso se atrapará antes que un hombre con una pierna rota."