Mewgenics Launch and Reception
Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel’s cat breeding roguelike, Mewgenics, was released earlier this week, garnering an overwhelmingly positive response and notable early sales success. However, one element of the game has caused mixed feelings among players – a list of complex internet personalities who voiced the many meows of in-game cats. To gain insights on these cameos, I contacted developer McMillen.
Controversial Cameos
A brief overview of some individuals featured in Mewgenics has raised concerns among potential players on social media, particularly in a thread on ResetEra that has garnered attention recently.
Notable Personalities
The inclusion of YouTubers Ethan and Hila Klein from h3h3Productions has faced backlash due to their views on the Israel-Palestine issue. Additionally, Matan Even, known for his stage invasion at the 2022 Game Awards and previous appearance on the far-right podcast InfoWars, voices a character. Christine Chandler, an autistic trans YouTuber, is also included and has previously faced bullying and legal troubles.
McMillen’s Perspective
McMillen explained that the list of voices is a reflection of internet culture at the time of development, aiming to represent a wide range of ideologies. “Most of these cameos were decided years ago, with Ethan’s inclusion dating back about four years,” he shared via email.
Balancing Perspectives
He noted that the inclusion of Ethan and Hila was balanced by others like iDubbbz and Anisa, who have publicly supported Palestinians during the conflict. McMillen ensured all individuals were aware of each other’s involvement to avoid any surprises at release, emphasizing their mature responses despite ongoing public disagreements.
Creative Expression Amid Controversy
McMillen acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding differing beliefs, stating, “It’s perplexing that a meow from someone with opposing views can be so disheartening to some,” and added that he doesn’t share the beliefs of many included voices. He encouraged creativity in addressing such feelings, noting players can dispose of any disliked cat voices within the game.
Future Mod Support
McMillen also hinted that once Mewgenics offers full mod support, players might create mods to customize or replace any meows they dislike. In our review, Callum commented on the game’s unique blend of intense gameplay, humor, and horror, indicating that this spirit continues in the voice casting as well.
