Return to Monkey Island creator will stop talking about the game due to ‘attack comments’

So far, Return to Monkey Island has created a divide between fans of the classic point-and-click adventure series. Most of the discussions surrounding the game center around its art style, which features cartoony designs and tweened animations that deviate heavily from previous installments. Ultimately, whatever one may feel about the art style comes down to a matter of taste. Unfortunately, some who have voiced particular opposition to this new installment have behaved in a less-than-professional manner, choosing to harass Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert over it. The abusive comments have become so bad that Gilbert has chosen to stop posting about Return to Monkey Island altogether.

Gilbert announced that he has shut down all comments on his personal blog due to the harassment. He went on to say that he and the rest of his team remain proud of what they have accomplished with Return to Monkey Island. Additionally, he told fans that whether they choose to buy the game or not, they should not “ruin it for everyone else.” Gilbert concluded by stating that the abuse has taken away the joy of talking about the game.

Threepwood’s actor speaks out

Dominic Armato, the actor portraying protagonist Guybrush Threepwood, expressed his dismay over the situation, saying that although he did see plenty of polite discussion surrounding the game, Gilbert’s blog became riddled with toxic comments. He stated that whatever fans may want out of a new Monkey Island, “making this a chore rather than a joy for the devs is the quickest way to ensure it won’t be anything for anybody.”

It comes as a massive shame that Gilbert had to deal with so many toxic comments surrounding Return to Monkey Island. Unfortunately, this kind of abuse occurs with alarming frequency in the gaming industry. Needless to say, game developers should not be harassed for any reason, especially not for a creative decision that some may disagree with.